In a statement seeking ‘Justice for Dr Zakir Naik’, the Movement for an Informed Society Malaysia (WADAH) says vested interests misconstrued the latter’s statements to get him out of Malaysia.

The movement says it is deeply concerned about the trickery and chicanery by the vested interests and their use of the misconstrued imagery of the Islamic preacher to create racial tensions and religious strife.

“These are efforts to prejudice and propaganda efforts to persecute and slander Dr Zakir Naik to get him deported back to India.

“This is the wish of the present hardline Indian government which is becoming more estranged and is departing away from its secular and plural character,” says the organisation.

Deport Zakir and Pakatan risk losing Muslim support?

It says so far there has been no evidence of Zakir’s wrongdoing in India despite accusations of terrorism.

“Even the Interpol has refused to issue a red notice on him because of a lack of credible prosecution nor substantial evidence.

“WADAH is of the opinion —in line with many others— that forcing Dr Zakir Naik to return to India would be as if he was being sent to the gallows because he would be treated badly and even tortured.”

“The political landscape of our country has changed from a corrupt and crooked government. 

“However instead of a government of visionary leadership and reformed governance, it is now undergoing chauvinistic strife and internal conflict in almost every social policy it seeks to implement,” says its president, Ahmad Azam Ab Rahman.

Exaggerating the issues and controversies surrounding Dr Zakir Naik’s preaching is irresponsible. It is from those who “still rely on ethnic and chauvinistic causes to champion their political aspirations.”

Wadah calls for the return of wisdom and firmness in leadership to give people hope and harmony as a united nation.

it says Zakir, who is the 2013 Recipient of the National Maal Hijrah Award, must be given justice and protection from tyranny and persecution.