Zakir Naik Holds Credentials To Teach Islam In Perlis Sources Say

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Independent preacher Zakir Naik, who recently sparked controversy after being seen giving a speech in Perlis, holds an official credential to teach Islam in the state.
According to sources, the credential was issued by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maips) and signed by the Crown Prince of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
The granting of this credential follows Section 118(1) of the Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2006, which gives state religious authorities the power to approve credentials for teaching Islam.
“Zakir has been granted the credential to teach Islam in Perlis starting from Oct 2, 2023.
“His teaching credential has also been renewed and will be valid until Dec 31, 2025,” the source said.
Earlier, Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin expressed his readiness to “battle” with a DAP lawmaker who questioned his religious programmes in Perlis.
Govt backbencher RSN Rayer (left) and Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin“However, if that DAP MP is so eager to sell, I, God willing, will buy, just as I did when the ‘departed DAP politician’ previously sold it,” he said.
The strong statement is believed to refer to the latest controversy surrounding a religious convention attended by Zakir in Perlis, a preacher previously banned from giving talks in Malaysia.
Concerns over reappearance
Yesterday, RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) raised concerns in the Dewan Rakyat about Zakir’s reappearance in Malaysia, despite his being wanted by Indian authorities on charges of money laundering and extremism.
Previously, in August 2019, the police issued a nationwide ban preventing Zakir from delivering public lectures.
The ban was imposed after he allegedly made controversial remarks about Hindus and Chinese in Malaysia during a lecture in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on August 3, 2019.
Before the nationwide ban, seven states had already prohibited Zakir from giving lectures: Malacca, Johor, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Sarawak, and Perlis.
However, Perlis now appears to have granted Zakir official approval to resume his lectures until Dec 31, 2025. - Mkini

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