Zakir Naik’s remark on ‘Hindu Malaysians’ triggers controversy

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia]: Malaysian Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran has called for action to be taken against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik “for questioning the loyalty of Hindu Malaysians”.
“Naik is an outsider who is a fugitive and has little knowledge of the Malaysian history, therefore, he should not be given such privilege to run down Malaysians, what more question their loyalty to the country,” Kulasegaran said in a statement cited by a Malaysian daily Malaysiakini. “His actions do not reflect one deserving of permanent resident status and this will be brought up in the next cabinet meeting,” the minister added.
In the letter issued on Tuesday, Kulasegaran also questioned the intention if Zakir was attempting to create a fissure in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society so as to continue enjoying immunity and privileges by obtaining the support of the Muslim community.
The move comes after Zakir had recently alleged that the Hindus in Malaysia are more loyal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi than Mahathir Mohamad.
“Is Naik also leveraging the current polemics related to race and religion in the country for his biased survival and benefit via the taxpayers’ money?” Kulasegaran was quoted as saying.