Muslim preacher Zakir Naik sues Malaysian MP over comments on Tamil Tigers-linked arrests

Hardline televangelist launches legal action against Charles Santiago, saying the politician’s remarks have damaged his reputation

Santiago had said the detention of ethnic Indians over alleged links to the militant group was a tool to punish those critical of Zakir

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Muslim televangelist Zakir Naik. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:59pm, 28 Nov 2019Updated: 10:44am, 29 Nov 2019

Controversial Muslim televangelist Zakir Naik, who set up shop in Malaysia while criminal investigations continue in his home country India, has taken legal action against a local member of parliament over alleged defamation following remarks the politician made about recent arrests under a draconian counterterrorism law.

MP Charles Santiago, a member of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), which is part of Malaysia’s ruling coalition, on Tuesday offered his opinions on the arrests last month of more than 10 ethnic Indians for alleged links to a Sri Lankan militant group commonly known as the Tamil Tigers, an organisation considered inactive for the last 10 years.

Discussing the issue at a forum, the lawmaker suggested the arrests were linked to political criticism of Zakir, who has made headlines for his puritan brand of Islam – recommending the death penalty for homosexuals and those who abandon the faith. In Britain, the preacher has been banned from entering the country.

Santiago said the arrests appeared to be a “warning” to Malaysia’s Indian community, as well as a tool to punish those who had criticised Zakir for causing racial disharmony.

Malaysia has long projected a moderate Islamic image and has a substantial Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minority population. Photo: Reuters

The MP confirmed he had been served a notice of demand for defamation by Zakir’s lawyers, who said Santiago’s remarks had damaged the preacher’s reputation.