KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik will be tried if he is found to have broken the law.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the rule of law would be applied to all equally, irrespective whether one is a citizen or a permanent resident of Malaysia.
“Nobody is above the law, whether you are citizen or not. Of course he is a permanent resident (PR) but he is still bound by the country’s law and cannot go against it," he said.
He said Dr Zakir despite being a respected religious figure, would have to respect the law.
“If he touches any issue in the country that creates dissatisfaction or anger among Malaysians, I’ve said before, we will investigate, which police are currently doing.
“We respect him as a preacher and a religious figure but he also neds have tolerance in terms of our law,” he said after launching the International Seminar on Religious Values in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism at the International Islamic University here today.
Muhyiddin said that Dr Zakir would be charged if he committed any offence, and being an eminent figure does not give him the licence to say anything.
Muhyiddin said the backing given to Dr Zakir by various quarters, including cabinet ministers such as Youth and Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, would also not affect any decision that needs to be taken against the founder president of the free-to-air Peace TV.
Muhyiddin reiterated that the government was also not obligated to deport Dr Zakir just because he was wanted by authorities in India.
Dr Zakir is currently under police investigation for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace for having allegedly made controversial remarks against Malaysian Hindus and Chinese during a religious Ceramah in Kelantan on Aug 3
Since then, many quarters including ministers have called for action to be taken against him.
However the 53-year-old eventually apologised for his remarks.
Dr Zakir is wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches.
Meanwhile, up to July 31, the police have arrested 519 individuals suspected to be involved in terrorism.
Muhyiddin said although no breakdowns are currently available, the number comprise of both Malaysians and foreigners.
“They were found to be involved in activities which can be considered as terrorism or were involved in offences which pose serious threats if no action is taken.
““They were detained under the enforcement of the existing laws; either the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota) or Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma),” he said.