MIRI: Amanah Northern Sarawak (ANS) has urged the federal government to immediately revoke Dr Zakir Naik’s permanent resident status and deport him.
‘Stop spreading colonial values in Malaysia!’ is ANS’ stance on an inflammatory statement by the controversial preacher in Kota Bahru, Kelantan recently.
No stranger to controversy, and wanted by India for alleged money laundering, Zakir had challenged the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Zakir’s speech in Kota Bharu is the anti-thesis of Malaysian values. He brought the continuation of British colonialism mindset to our people. This must stop!” said ANS chairman Yeo Kian Leong (pic).
“In Malaysia, we have many races and religions, yet we can live in peace for many generations. This is because in every Malaysian’s heart, we know that our country was liberated from colonialism through the sacrifice and hard work of all races regardless of their religions.”
He recalled that during the first war for Indian independence in 1857, the British pit Indian Muslims against Hindus to prevent them from uniting and overthrowing the colonial powers.
“Before that, Hindus and Muslims had lived together in peace and even participated in one another’s celebrations. And then there grew intense hatred between them that could not be undone for many years after,” he said.
Zakir was welcomed into Malaysia and awarded permanent residency (PR) in 2015 by the then Barisan Nasional government.
Yeo also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak government for banning Zakir from the state, a move he described as reflective of the people’s wishes.
He hoped that Sarawakians remain steadfast in the principle of inclusiveness and preserve the harmonious relationship that was nurtured and passed down to today’s generation.
