BESUT: International Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik has thanked the Malaysian Government for allowing him to give a public lecture in Malacca on Sunday.
He expressed gratitude even though the title of his lecture had to be changed from ‘Similarities between Hinduism and Islam’ to ‘Women’s Rights in Islam’.
“With what has happened, I could feel that the attendees in Melaka will increase,” he said after delivering a lecture entitled, ‘Does God Exist?’ at Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Besut last night.
The public lecture in Melaka was cancelled following objections from the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) but was then allowed to go on, by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“What I believe is that, if I can unite even a small number of Muslims, I am grateful and pray that Allah will bless my efforts,” said Dr Zakir.
Last night’s lecture was attended by about 30,000 people, including Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh. -- Bernama