‘We’ll deport Zakir Naik if need be’

SHAH ALAM: Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said if India makes a case against controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik that warrants him to be sent back, then Malaysia has to act accordingly.

“Once a case is put forward, the government has to decide whether to send him back,” Gobind told a press conference after launching the Integrated Parcel Centre expansion project here yesterday.

He criticised Gerakan for alleging that he and other Indian ministers in the Cabinet were not doing enough to deport Zakir.

“Gerakan should ask itself, they were in power for 61 years what did they do? They failed the people and that’s why the people rejected them.”

He said unlike the previous government, the new Cabinet actually speaks up and discusses things.

“Our position is different, we speak up in Cabinet meetings, we express the views of the people,” he said.

He added that Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier J a yakumar, Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran and himself had discussed the matter with the prime minister.

Zakir i s prohibited f rom entering Singapore and is also a “wanted man” in Bangladesh over charges of money-laundering, supporting terrorist activities and inciting religious tension.

Despite these allegations, he obtained permanent residence status in Malaysia during Barisan Nasional rule, and is also welcome in Saudi Arabia.

He courted controversy in Malaysia for reportedly delivering hate speeches, although he has denied such claims. – by Timothy Achariam