MCCBCHST calls govt to ban Zakir Naik

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has called on the government to withdraw the visa granted to controversial Indian preacher Dr Zakir Naik to enter the country.
In a statement, the council expressed its "profound regret" that Malaysian authorities have chosen to ignore all representations and reports as to dangers and threats to harmony posed by Zakir.
"Zakir's words and talks are highly provocative to non-Muslim communities.
"He has been banned from entry into certain countries. In his own country he has been subject to various court summonses," the council said in a statement today.
The council stressed while Malaysia has a reputation of being a tolerant, multi-religious and pluralistic country, purported teachers of religion that are sponsored even by state authorities have a tendency to incite hatred, odium and contempt on the practices, rituals and food of other religions or ethnic groups.
"This is totally unacceptable. It threatens the way of life of all peace loving people and the mutual co-existence we have enjoyed for decades in our beloved nation," the council added.
The council stressed while it supports freedom of speech and expression, any discourse touching on religion and beliefs should be subject to the parameters set forth in the Penal Code generally and more specifically to the bar of public reason and civility.