Press Statement by M Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman and MP for Ipoh Barat in Ipoh on 31st May, 2017


Zakir Naik must have no place in Malaysia and Home Minister must reject his citizenship application.

The Times of India has reported that controversial India-born Muslim evangelist Dr Zakir Naik has applied for Malaysian citizenship but a decision has yet to be made about his application.

After the federal government recently disclosed that Zakir was granted permanent residency a few years ago, there have been much criticisms against the government’s decision.

The Indian community in particular has been angered by the government’s decision.

I have on April 20 this year asked if the government if it has the political will to revoke the PR granted to Zakir. However, till today, it is obvious that the federal government has not had the will to do what is right.

It is puzzling that the government is willing to ignore the people’s justified demands and protect one person whose presence and residency in Malaysia does not help in fostering better religious understanding and relationships among Malaysians.

On April 20 this year, it was reported that at the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue held with Indian youths held on April 19, MIC president Datuk S Subramaniam said that Dr Zakir Naik has no place in Malaysia.

He gave the reply when asked why the preacher was given permanent residency.

He was also reported to say that Zakir is not going to contribute to the advancement of Islam in the country.

http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/malaysia-doesnt-need-zakir-naik-mic-president-says

However, Dr Subramanaim did not give any commitment as to what he, MIC or the government would do about the permanent residency (PR) granted to Zakir Naik.

Why he could not give a simple and clear answer as to whether the government will revoke or review the permanent residency granted?

Neither did he say he would bring up the matter in the Cabinet.

When the Indian community are still unhappy about the government’s reluctance and failure to review and resolve the permanent residency issue, it is now reported that Zakir has applied for Malaysian citizenship.

I call on the Home Ministry to declare if it is true that Zakir has made an application as reported and if so, when was the application submitted.

However, what is most important is that the Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zaid must declare what is the government’s stand on Zakir’s decision.

I wish to remind the Home Minister that a controversial preacher like Zakir must have no place in Malaysia. There can only be one decision, that is, to reject his application.

In fact, the government must also be prepared to review and revoke the permanent residency granted to Zakir.


M. Kula Segaran

012 5034346