Kuala Lumpur: Former Penang deputy chief minister P Ramasamy says it is unfair of televangelist Dr Zakir Naik to call him “the biggest enemy of Islam”.
Ramasamy asserted that he has been a strong supporter of the Muslims’ struggles across the region.
“I have helped Muslim provinces such as Aceh and Mindanao in their peace talks. How can he label me an enemy of Islam?” he said at a solidarity gathering in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
He claimed that in 2018, he played a significant role in assisting Aceh in Indonesia and Mindanao in the Philippines in their pursuit of greater autonomy.
Ramasamy had filed a police report against Naik on Monday. He wants the preacher to withdraw the remark he reportedly made in Nigeria on Saturday within 14 days or his lawyers will file a defamation suit against him.
Last week, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Ramasamy to pay Naik RM1.52 million in damages for defaming him between 2017 and 2019.
The court ordered Ramasamy to pay the sum within 30 days, but stayed his apology pending oral submissions by both parties scheduled for Dec 1.
“The amount of damages I have to pay is excessive. I do not have that much money. Hence, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign,” Ramasamy said.
He said his team has raised more than RM1.2 million so far, adding that he is “overwhelmed” by the support shown by the Indian community.
Asked to comment on Naik’s pledge to donate the RM1.52 million to Palestine, Ramasamy said how Naik will spend the money is immaterial, if he gets it after the appeal.
“The Court of Appeal will decide whether to uphold the High Court’s decision or reduce the amount. So, we will let the legal process run its course,” he said.
