Court to get feedback on Zakir Naik case

KUALA LUMPUR - The High Court has set April 12 to get feedback from parties who are seeking a court order that Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik is a threat to national security.

High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Hanipah Farikullah wants to know if the parties would object to an application by Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali to intervene in the legal proceedings.

Ibrahim has said he wants to intervene in the civil action to defend Dr Zakir, saying that the India-born preacher is recognised internationally and has received various awards for his talks and service to Islam.

In the legal action filed on March 1, 19 Malaysians, including activists, had sued the Government and four others to get a declaration that Dr Zakir is a threat to public order, moral, economic, social, education, national unity and peace.

Among the plaintiffs are Hindraf chairman P. Waytha Moorthy, activist Dr Lim Teck Ghee, Sabah STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and lawyer Siti Zabedah Kassim.

The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to immediately revoke the status of Dr Zakir as a permanent resident if it has been granted to him.

Speaking to reporters after the proceedings in chambers on Tuesday, the plaintiffs' lawyer S. Karthigesan said the judge has asked the parties to notify her on whether they would object to the intervener bid by Ibrahim.

Karthigesan said he has also sent the court papers over the civil action to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.

Ibrahim's lawyer Adnan Seman confirmed the details on the intervener bid.

Senior Federal Counsel Maisarah Juhari said she has yet to receive the court papers and would decide on the next course of action later.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs are also applying to the court to immediately deport Dr Zakir and initiate a restriction order to prevent him from entering Malaysia.

They also want a court order directing the Inspector-General of Police to arrest Dr Zakir immediately.

The plaintiffs have named Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Immigration Department directors-general, National Registration Department director-general, IGP and Government as defendants.