Decision on Zakir ban if necessary, says Shafie
Published on: Friday, August 16, 2019
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
Photo Source: Bernama
PAPAR: The Sabah Government will not hesitate to ban the entry of Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik if there were extremism and negative elements that could jeopardise the harmonious living and peace of the State’s multiracial society, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said he would obtain reports from the Islamic authorities before making a decision on the matter.
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“I have yet to see a report on my table (pertaining to whether Dr Zakir should be in the list of people to be banned from entering Sabah). Personally, if there were extremism elements based on a recent Syariah law that we have passed in the State Legislative Assembly, there should not be any extreme religious practices in Sabah.
“If there are quarters proven to be doing that (practising extremism), we will take action as this falls under the jurisdiction of the State Government.
“Nonetheless, we will take appropriate action,” he told reporters after accepting 3,000 new Warisan membership forms from Datuk Juil Nuatim, who is formerly Umno Papar vice chief, at a multipurpose hall in Papar, Thursday.
Shafie was commenting on the Sarawak Government’s decision to ban Dr Zakir from entering the State that took effect on Thursday.
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A news portal, FMT reported Thursday that Sarawak has insisted that the entry ban on the controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik remains despite Putrajaya’s decision not to hand him over to Indian authorities for their investigations.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing said the State did not want to allow Dr Zakir into Sarawak. – HD
