Controversial cleric tells India: ‘Come find me in Malaysia’

KUALA LUMPUR — Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik challenged Indian authorities to locate him in Malaysia, following New Delhi’s plans to seek Interpol assistance in a terrorism investigation against him. “Such a cowardly investigation. They have got no guts. If they want to interview me face to face, then come over here and talk. Come to the neutral ground,” he said. The India-born televangelist said he is not willing to present himself before India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), claiming that instances of abuse of Muslim activists are rife. “I told them that I’m ready to be interviewed on Skype, phone and video conferencing. If I go there, they will torture me. So, why should I go there? They have done that to other Muslims and I’ve got proof,” said Dr Zakir. The Times of India reported over the weekend that the NIA had decided to seek a Red Corner Notice, aiming at curbing his movements out of Saudi Arabia after several summons for him to appear before the authorities were ignored. The report also said Dr Zakir had been frequently travelling to Malaysia and Indonesia from Saudi Arabia. He allegedly fled to Saudi Arabia after Indian authorities started investigations on him and his non-governmental organisation (NGO), Islamic Research Foundation, for terror propaganda. The Indian authorities are also mulling terror charges against Dr Zakir, reportedly based on the testimonies of about 50 terror suspects and convicts recorded from various jails, with those caught citing the medical doctor as their source of inspiration. However, the preacher has denied allegations that he is a terrorist and said he is ready to go to court, provided it is at an international or Malaysian court, to prove his innocence. Despite being a fugitive in India, Dr Zakir has been welcomed by some senior clerics in Malaysia, and even met Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak last year. He has also been allowed to travel in and out of Malaysia giving religious speeches. His lectures on religion in Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu and Malacca last year sparked an uproar from various quarters, including the ruling Barisan Nasional component parties, after the authorities and the government allowed the preacher to continue with his speaking engagements. However, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had defended Dr Zakir at the time, describing him as a “very wise man”. The Terengganu state government last year had offered him land to set up an Islamic research centre, which he rejected. AGENCIES