Ramasamy agrees to debate Zakir on condition he goes back to India

BUTTERWORTH: Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy has agreed to a debate with Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik provided he goes back to India voluntarily to clear his name first and then only come back to Malaysia.

He was responding to a call by Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin through his Facebook post on Saturday that he (Ramasamy) debate with Dr Zakir.

“Asri’s proposal for the debate is an attempt to sidestep the issue on calls by the Indian government for Zakir to be deported to face criminal charges in India.

“The Indian courts are very open, so you (Zakir) should go back, clear your name and then come back.

“If you agree to that, I will be prepared to debate with you.

“I do not have anything personal against Zakir but there are serious claims against him in India,” he told reporters during the wedding reception of his son Dr R. Vijaya Bharath and daughter-in-law K. Nithya here on Saturday night.

About 800 guests were present.

Among them were DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has repeatedly refused to give in to India’s calls to deport Dr Zakir, saying the controversial preacher was a permanent resident and has yet to commit any crime in Malaysia.

Dr Zakir has denied allegations of money laundering and inciting religious violence.

He claimed the charges were politically motivated, and he would not get a fair trial if he is returned to India.