DAP dragged into PAS' beef with minister over Zakir

A PAS leader has dragged the party's former coalition partner into the furore surrounding preacher Zakir Naik receiving permanent residence (PR) in Malaysia.

PAS Ulama information chief Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said it was was "extremely regrettable" that an unnamed minister had questioned the permanent resident status given to Zakir, who is wanted in his home country India.

"I fear there are federal ministers who have followed the political beat of DAP in criticising things related to Islam and what it preaches," Khairuddin said.

He added such criticisms also showed a failure of the cabinet in their collective decision-making.

While Khairuddin did not identify the said minister, PAS has attacked Health Minister and MIC president Dr S Subramaniam for raising the issue of Zakir's PR.

Subramaniam has also received flak for being unaware of the cabinet decision made in 2013.

Last Friday, The Times of India reported that a special court has allowed the country's National Investigation Agency's (NIA) plea to issue a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Zakir, who is being sought for alleged money laundering.

Zakir has reportedly failed to respond to three summonses issued by the NIA, and appears to be “evading arrest”, said the newspaper.

However the fugitive has received adulation in Malaysia, with right wing group Perkasa and even Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin speaking up for Zakir's residence in the country.

'Product of jealousy'

Khairuddin justified the awarding of PR status to the preacher saying he deserved Malaysia's protection.

“The preacher who brings his mission of peace needs to be protected, what more in a country that places Islam as the religion of the federation.

“Giving Zakir the PR is an act that is correct and true by the Malaysian government, to protect preachers,” he said.

The PAS ulama claimed the detractors were 'jealous' of Zakir.

“His preaching has caused jealousy among many in the international arena, to the point of inventing and making up all kinds of allegations to create a (negative) perception of his message of peace and harmony.”- Mkini