Zakir Naik still being questioned at Bukit Aman
In second round of police interview, controversial preacher continues giving his statement after a break for prayers.
KUALA LUMPUR: Controversial Indian preacher Dr Zakir Naik was engaged in a marathon round of questioning at federal police headquarters tonight, continuing an interview that began on Friday over remarks that have caused a public outcry.
Federal CID director Huzir Mohamed said Naik was accompanied by his lawyer, Akberdin Abdul Kadir.
Questioning began in the afternoon and continued after a break for maghrib prayers. Naik was still in Bukit Aman more than nine hours later, as this report was filed shortly before midnight.
On Friday, Naik’s session was stopped after five hours when the preacher asked for a postponement so that he could break his fast.
He is being questioned under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, as a result of remarks made in public speeches at Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Naik was believed to have cast doubts about the loyalty of Malaysian Hindus, and had also questioned the position of the Chinese community in Malaysia.
He was reported to have claimed that Malaysian Indians were more loyal to the Narendra Modi government in India, and also reported to have described the Malaysian Chinese community as “old guests” who should go back to their ancestral land before he was made to leave the country.
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Naik has since said that his remarks were taken out of context and were maliciously reported. He has also taken legal action against several politicians for defamation.