Police Report Lodged Against Zakir Naik

In my capacity as Chairman of Majlis Gagasan Malaysia, I have lodged a police report against Zakir Naik in relation to a segment of his speech delivered in Kelantan during the Executive Talk at Dewan Jamuan Utama, Kompleks Kota Darulnaim, on 8th August 2019 at 9:00 AM. I call upon the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take the necessary legal action against him for making statements that are seditious, inflammatory, and detrimental to Malaysia’s social harmony and public order.

Violation of the Federal Constitution and the Rule of Law

Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country, founded upon the Federal Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. Article 3(1) of the Constitution establishes Islam as the religion of the Federation, while guaranteeing that other religions may be practised in peace and harmony. Zakir Naik’s remarks have directly challenged this constitutional safeguard, creating unnecessary religious tension and undermining national unity.

Furthermore, Article 10(2)(a) provides that Parliament may impose restrictions on freedom of speech in the interest of security, public order, and morality. His reckless and divisive statements clearly fall within these restrictions. His actions do not constitute freedom of speech but rather an abuse of it, as they threaten to provoke hostility between communities.

Zakir Naik’s continued provocation is not only socially damaging but also legally unacceptable. As a foreign national with Permanent Resident (PR) status, he has no right to interfere in Malaysia’s political and social affairs. His attempts to incite racial and religious discord constitute a blatant abuse of his residency privileges.

Beyond His Role: A Threat to National Stability

Zakir Naik is an Islamic preacher, yet he has repeatedly strayed from religious discourse and encroached into political and international matters, making statements that are both misleading and dangerous. His speeches have contained elements of political interference, historical distortion, and outright provocation, which serve no purpose other than to create unrest.

Malaysia has long upheld a culture of religious tolerance and mutual respect, and no individual, especially a foreign national, should be allowed to exploit religion as a means to divide the nation. His conduct is a direct affront to Malaysia’s social contract, which is built on peaceful co-existence between different ethnic and religious communities.

Furthermore, as a holder of PR status, he is expected to abide by Malaysian laws, customs, and sensitivities. His remarks have demonstrated blatant disregard for Malaysia’s multicultural framework, and his continued presence as a public speaker poses a serious threat to inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony.

To My Muslim Brothers and Sisters: A Call for Understanding

Let me be very clear: this call for action is not an attack on Islam, nor a challenge to the religion of peace that Islam truly represents. Islam is a peaceful religion, one that teaches tolerance, kindness, and respect towards all people, regardless of their race or faith. What I am challenging here is the misuse of Islam by Zakir Naik, who has weaponised religion to sow discord and deepen divisions among Malaysians, particularly between Muslims and non-Muslims.

To my fellow Muslim Malaysians, I urge you to understand the distinction between the teachings of Islam and the actions of a few who exploit religious teachings for their personal or political agendas. Zakir Naik’s actions reflect only his personal views and have nothing to do with the core principles of Islam, which stand for peace and mutual respect.

In a country where Islam is the official religion and is practised by the majority, we must remember that true Islam is about unity, peace, and coexistence. We must not allow the actions of one individual to tarnish the reputation of Islam or create hostility between Muslims and non-Muslims. Zakir Naik’s divisive rhetoric is not the voice of Islam, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold the true values of Islam that foster peace and harmony in our multi-ethnic society.

Legal Action Must Be Taken Without Delay

In light of his unlawful and inflammatory remarks, I call upon the authorities to act immediately under the following legal provisions:

• Section 504 of the Penal Code, which criminalises intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• The Sedition Act 1948, which penalises statements that incite discontent, ill-will, and hostility between communities, an offence that threatens national unity and public order.

Given the seriousness of his actions, I strongly urge the Malaysian government to ban Zakir Naik from making any further public speeches, as his statements pose a grave threat to social stability. I also urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to review his Permanent Resident status, as he has clearly violated the trust placed in him by the Malaysian authorities.

Defending National Unity and the Rule of Law

Malaysia cannot and must not allow individuals like Zakir Naik to exploit religion for personal or political gain. The rule of law must prevail, and no one is above it. As Malaysians, we have a duty to defend our Federal Constitution, uphold democratic values, and preserve the unity that defines our nation.

I call upon all responsible Malaysians to reject any form of religious and racial provocation. Our nation has thrived on the values of respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and we must remain committed to preserving these principles at all costs.

I urge the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the relevant government agencies to take swift and decisive action against Zakir Naik. The law must be enforced without fear or favour to uphold the rule of law, safeguard national unity, and prevent any further threats to Malaysia’s social harmony.

Malaysia has always been a nation of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, and we must not allow any individual, local or foreign, to exploit religion to incite division and disharmony. It is the duty of all Malaysians to defend the Federal Constitution, uphold democratic values, and preserve the unity that defines our nation.

Manivannan Rethinam
Chairman
Majlis Gagasan Malaysia
#askmani

Police Report Reference No: PANDAN INDAH/014632/19