The Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) and the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) have rightly called out the Malaysian Government for its baffling and irresponsible decision to lift restrictions on the Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik, a figure whose divisive rhetoric has long been a thorn in the side of Malaysia’s fragile social fabric. This move, shrouded in ambiguity and lacking transparency, demands not just scrutiny but outright condemnation. The government’s failure to provide a logical explanation for this reversal is a slap in the face of millions of Malaysians who value national unity and religious harmony.

Three glaring questions the Government must answer

1. What justifies the reversal of the ban?

The Federal government’s initial ban on Zakir Naik was not arbitrary. It was a response to State Ruler decrees and a nationwide police directive. These decisions were made to protect Malaysia from a man whose inflammatory speeches have repeatedly stoked racial and religious tensions.

What has changed? What new evidence exists to suggest that Naik, a man who once told ethnic Chinese to “go back” to China and questioned the loyalty of Malaysian-Indians, is now a beacon of unity? The government’s silence on this matter is deafening and unacceptable.

2. How can Naik no longer be a threat?

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) deemed Naik a national security threat in 2019, and for good reasons. His rhetoric has been linked to inciting discord and undermining Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society. Has the government conducted a thorough reassessment of his influence? If so, where is the evidence? Or is this simply a case of political expediency overriding national security concerns?

3. What about the 45% non-Muslim population?

Malaysia’s non-Muslim communities, who make up nearly half the population, have consistently voiced their objections to the India-born Naik’s presence in the country. His divisive rhetoric has alienated and offended these communities, yet the government seems content to ignore their concerns.

Is this the Madani Government’s idea 8of inclusivity? By side-lining the voices of 45% of Malaysians, the government is sending a clear message that it considers their fears and grievances unworthy of its consideration.

A history of divisiveness: Why Naik was banned in the first place

Let’s recall why Zakir Naik was banned in multiple Malaysian states and by the PDRM. His speeches were not just controversial - they were incendiary. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, no stranger to tough decisions, rightly supported the ban, criticising Naik’s rhetoric as a direct threat to national unity.

Naik’s comments were not mere slips of the tongue; they were calculated attempts to betray Malaysia’s institutional framework.

A threat to national unity and democracy

Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, but this diversity is fragile. Zakir Naik’s speeches, which too often prioritize religious identity over merit and competence, constitute a direct threat to the democratic ideals that underpin Malaysian society.

By allowing him to operate freely, the government is tacitly endorsing a worldview that could

destabilize the nation’s social fabric. This is not about just about one man – it is about the precedent set by this “tolerance”. If divisive figures like Naik are allowed to operate with impunity, what does that say about Malaysia’s commitment to unity and inclusivity?

A call for immediate reversal

The Malaysian Government’s decision to lift the ban on Zakir Naik is a grave error of judgment. To begin with, it undermines State authority, disregards the concerns of nearly half of the population (minorities), and jeopardizes national security. The government must immediately reverse this decision and reinstate the ban. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles of unity, inclusivity, and respect that Malaysia was built upon.

Conclusion

This is a major failure of the Government. The case of Zakir Naik is not just about freedom of speech – it concerns the kind of Malaysia we want to live in. Do we want a nation where divisive figures are allowed to spread hatred and discord, or one where unity and mutual respect are upheld as sacrosanct?

The Madani Government’s decision to lift the ban is a stark reminder of how quickly progress can be undone by poor leadership and a lack of accountability. For the sake of Malaysia’s future, this decision must be reversed, and those responsible must be held accountable.

The author resides in Malaysia