Zakir's combative style of propagating religion unsuitable

KUALA LUMPUR - The minister in charge of Islamic Affairs Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa has hit out at controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik, saying the latter’s combative style of propagating the religion by putting down other beliefs is not suitable for Malaysia.

He said Dr Zakir, who sought re­fuge here amid an investigation by Indian authorities, had a penchant for insulting other religions.

“We don’t want a debate that ridi­cules others. We need a more intellectual and composed method of Islamic propagation without the need to ridicule other religions,” the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department was reported as saying on an online portal while launching a seminar on Islam and the challenges in a multiracial society.

Various groups previously have condemned Dr Zakir’s sermons, which they labelled as extremist and disrespectful to other religions.

They said he is wanted by the authorities in his homeland of India over alleged involvement in terrorism and financial irregularities.

The 52-year-old televangelist, who was granted Malaysian permanent resident status, is fighting attempts to have him deported.

Dr Mujahid said he was also responsible for defending the rights of other religions.