CONTROVERSIAL PREACHER
DPM says Zamihan has expertise in de-radicalisation programme
LAILI ISMAIL
AND ILI SHAZWANI KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
THE Home Ministry will retain the services of outspoken preacher Zamihan Mat Zin to rehabilitate and de-radicalise Islamic State group militants held in prisons.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was because Zamihan had the expertise in the de-radicalisation programme.
“Records have shown his success in restoring the aqidah (faith) of Muslims who are associated with terrorism.
“Therefore, he is an asset to guide the group (of extremists) to the right path. He should not be penalised with (the removal of) his position at the Prisons Department,” he said after delivering the keynote speech at 2017 Huawei Asia-Pacific Innovation Day yesterday.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said although Zamihan might be banned from delivering sermons in Selangor, he was capable of rehabilitating and deradicalising terrorists, potential terrorists and those who were found to have contributed financially to an extremist cause.
“There is a manual and standard operating procedure for our de-radicalisation programme and it is available in four languages (Malay, English, Arabic and French).
“Zamihan is one of the experts (who produced the manual). He was also once an officer in the Home Ministry to oversee religious publications,” he added.
PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya yesterday expressed worry over Zamihan’s involvement in the rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programme,