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Drop suit against Zakir Naik to ‘improve race relations’, urges Perkasa
Published:  Dec 18, 2017 4:59 PM
Updated: 9:10 AM
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Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) and other activists have been urged to withdraw their suit against controversial preacher Zakir Naik by Malay rights group Perkasa.

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali stressed that they must do so in light of Interpol’s decision to reject a request from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) to issue a red corner notice against Zakir.

“We hope PHM and the others withdraw their suit against Zakir to improve race relations in the country,” he said in a statement today.

The activists had filed originating summons to arrest and deport the preacher in March this year, although this was dropped several months later.

Instead, they sought a declaration stating that Zakir is a threat to the safety and public order of the federation and its international relations, and another stating that Zakir is not entitled to permanent residency in Malaysia.

Apart from PHM, the other activists include Bingkor assemblyperson Jeffrey Kitingan, lawyer Siti Kasim and Centre for Policy Initiatives director Lim Teck Ghee.

Perkasa is an intervener in the case.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim (photo) expressed his gratitude to Allah over the Interpol decision.

“Interpol’s decision is apt and made at the right time because it can clear Zakir’s name from any prejudicial or slanderous accusations,” said Ibrahim.

While Interpol has rejected the NIA’s request for a red corner notice against Zakir, it has been reported that the agency is submitting a fresh request.

A red notice is used to inform Interpol member countries that the person on the list is wanted based on an arrest warrant or a judicial decision issued by a country or an international tribunal.

The notice would have restricted Zakir’s international travel.

Earlier this year, the Indian government had banned Zakir and his organisation Islamic Research Foundation for five years, declaring it unlawful.

The preacher is also accused of promoting hate speech and laundering money.

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