PUTRAJAYA: Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has backed Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision in not deporting controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik back to India.
He said the move was line with the Geneva Convention.
The Geneva Conventions comprise four treaties, and three additional protocols, that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war.
“Any individual who is expected to be persecuted and will not receive fair judgment in their home country, should be protected.
“This is line with the Geneva Convention which must be adhered to by all nations.
“Further, the premier’s move is also in line with Islam which precedes the Geneva Convention,” he said today.
The Marang member of parliament said this after attending Gagasan Sejahtera’s Supreme Council Meeting today.
Hadi said Pas had advised Zakir to be careful when delivering public talks, especially when it touching on political issues.
“There has always been a clear line between religious preaching and politics during public talks.
“But, this issue involving Zakir has been politicised by DAP.
“When it is about politics, let us be the one who respond, not Zakir,” he said.
The Mumbai-born preacher is currently under police investigation for insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace for having allegedly made controversial remarks against Malaysian Hindus and Chinese at a religious talk in Kelantan on Aug 3. This has prompted calls for him to be deported to India.
Since then many quarters, including ministers, have called for action to be taken against him.
The 53-year-old has apologised for his remarks.
On the meeting today, Hadi said the political party grouping which includes Pas, Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) and Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia, or Berjasa
has agreed to strengthen political cooperation between the coalition and Umno
“The acceptance of Umno is based on ta’awun siyasi (political cooperation), but the charter for this cooperation will be announced later.
“The Supreme Council meeting today also agreed to strengthen political cooperation
within the component parties of the coalition, in regards to vision, mission and organisation," he added.
Hadi said the coalition had also agreed to focus on
“saving the multiracial nation” and addressing the people’s grouses.
“We will also be focusing on efforts to attract more youths and other Malaysians towards the vision championed by Gagasan Sejahtera,” he added.
Present at the meeting was Ikatan president Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, Pas deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Pas secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.