By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Aug 17: Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Northern Sarawak has joined with others in urging the Malaysia government to deport India-born fugitive Dr Zakir Naik and revoked his permanent residence (PR) status immediately.
“Stop spreading colonial values into Malaysia!,” exclaimed Amanah Northern Sarawak chairman Yeo Kian Leong in stressing the party’s stance on the recent inflammatory statement by the controversial preacher.
He noted that Zakir, who was a wanted fugitive of India government for money laundering cases, had recently challenged the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia during an event in Kota Bahru.
“In Malaysia, we have many races and religions, yet we can live in peace for many generations. This is because in every Malaysian’s heart, we know that our country was liberated from colonialism through the sacrifice and hard work from all races regardless of religions,” he pointed out.
“Zakir’s speech in Kota Bharu is the anti-thesis of Malaysian values. He brings the continuation of British colonialism mindset to our people. This must stop!” he pressed.
According to Yeo, in the first war of Indian Independence 1857, the British stirred up Indian Muslims against Hindus to prevent them from uniting and overthrowing the colonial powers.
“Before then, Hindus and Muslims had lived together in peace and even participate in each other’s celebrations. But now, there is intense hatred between them that cannot be undo in many years to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zakir was welcomed into Malaysia and awarded permanent residency in 2015 under Malaysia’s previous administration.
Yeo also expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak government for banning Zakir from entering Sarawak, a move he described as reflecting the people’s wishes.
He hoped that Sarawakians will remain steadfast in the principles of inclusiveness and preserve the harmonious relationship between all races that had been passed down from generations to generations.— DayakDaily
