Rayer Disappointed With Igp Ministry Over Silence On Zakir Naik Ban

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Jelutong MP RSN Rayer had asked the IGP and the home ministry to clarify if the ban on Dr Zakir Naik giving public speeches was still in effect after the preacher spoke at an event held in Perlis.
KUALA LUMPUR: Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has expressed disappointment with the police and the home ministry for not answering his queries regarding a purported ban on controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik giving public talks in Malaysia.
Rayer said he had yet to receive a response from either the inspector-general of police or the ministry despite raising the issue on Feb 5.
“I am saddened and disappointed that till today, I am still waiting for an answer. I have yet to receive any response from the IGP or the home ministry,” the DAP leader said at a press conference at Parliament today.
In August 2019, it was reported that the police had barred Naik from giving talks in Malaysia in the interest of national security and to preserve racial harmony.
However, in December 2021, the Mumbai-born preacher disagreed that there was a ban, saying the police had never conveyed such a message to him.
Rayer had asked the IGP and the home ministry to clarify if the directive was still in effect after Naik was invited as a speaker for the International Sunnah Convention held in Perlis.
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said two weeks ago that he would check on the matter.
Rayer also dismissed criticism from Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin for asking about the ban, saying his question was straightforward and had nothing to do with interfering in Islamic affairs or the event held in Perlis.
“I didn’t say anything against the Perlis mufti. I didn’t accuse Naik of anything either. I only asked whether the ban on him giving public speeches was still in place or had been lifted,” he said.
He also said he was disappointed with Asri’s reaction to his question, which he described as an overreaction.
In a YouTube video, Asri had warned Rayer not to interfere with Muslim affairs by questioning who the Perlis government chose to invite for the convention.
Asri also told Rayer to mind his own business and said he “wouldn’t ask what you have applied on your forehead”, referring to the vibuthi (Hindu holy ash) spread by Rayer on his forehead.
“I am deeply disappointed and saddened by Asri’s remarks. My question was about one thing, but his response was completely different.
“As an MP, it is my duty to ask whether this ban is still in force or if it has been revoked,” he said, asking if Asri would apologise for his remarks on the vibuthi.
Contacted by FMT, Asri denied insulting Hindus and said he was simply warning the Jelutong MP against interfering with the affairs of other religions.
The mufti also claimed he has Hindu friends who supported his statement and viewed Rayer as having “crossed the line”, and refused to apologise over his remarks. - FMT

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