By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak activist and Global Human Rights Federation (M) deputy president Peter John Jaban has urged the Sarawak government to maintain its ban on radical Islamist preacher Zakir Naik, keeping him out from the State.
His call came following Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s recent statement that there is currently no gag order on the controversial figure, who is wanted by Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism in his home country.
“Naik has already made controversial remarks about Chinese and Hindu communities in Malaysia and is once again escalating his rhetoric.
“In Sarawak, we work hard to preserve the delicate balance of race and religion within our multi-ethnic society and even within individual families. We do not need foreign preachers threatening our Sarawak Muslims with judgment in the afterlife for respecting the rights of every citizen to practice their faith in peace, as guaranteed by our Constitution. Nor do we need him sowing discord between religions and disrupting our social harmony,” Peter John said in a statement today.
He stressed that this issue is especially critical in light of recent controversies involving religious overreach in Malaysia, such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (Jakim) proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Islamic events and celebrations.
“In Sarawak, the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) recently withdrew the imposition of alcohol-free zones in a public food court. This alone reflects the true religious sensitivities of ordinary Sarawakians—prioritising tolerance and respect over bigotry and division,” he noted.
Noting that Naik has been allowed to hide from prosecution in Malaysia for many years Peter John stated that if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is unwilling to act, the Sarawak government must continue to safeguard Sarawak’s interests by maintaining a peaceful environment, and upholding inclusivity, tolerance, and social harmony.
He also highlighted that Sarawak’s autonomy in regulating its own immigration policies under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), affirming the State’s right to determine who may enter its borders.
“There is absolutely no reason to protect Naik in Malaysia at the expense of our citizens and society. He should not be allowed to spread hatred in Sarawak or incite tensions among our communities. In Sarawak, we already have our own Islamic scholars and preachers who are well respected by Sarawakians,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
