Adversarial "dakwah" unsuitable for Malay Archipelago

PERKASA Information Chief, Ustaz Hasan Basri's reactions to critics from Indians, Hindus and non-Muslims generally to reports controversial Muslim Indian preacher, Zakir Naik was given PR is rather discomforting.

Some of critics hurled at Zakir are harsh, racially insensetive, and politically provocative.

It is not politically correct for the ustaz to dish put words like "sekolahkan" (harsh word for to educate), or labelling of "noodies".

Our former fellow in Perkasa Supreme Council should appreciate their emotional reaction to read reports Zakir was offered citizenship.

There are local born Indians that has yet to receive approval for citizenship application.

It is Perkasa's right to be selective in their support of government.

On this matter, they support the past Home Ministry decision to issue PR to him.

However, Zakir Naik is wanted in India for money laundering. The critics have basis to question the decision. No schooling or labelling are necessary.

In Malaysia, money laundering tend to be associated with corruption, and criminal activities.

The Indian authorities could be looking at money to fund Islamic terrorism.

When Zakir was to begin his tour of Malaysia last year, yours truly was briefed by expert on the matter.

PERKASA President, Dato Ibrahim Ali could ask the public to be fair and he has every right to defend the man . However, PERKASA should not be equally emotional as critics of Zakir.

Even current Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is willing to cooperate with the Indian authorities. Malaysia is active in their anti-terrorism effort, thus have to be consistent.

There is likelihood the decision to issue the PR was made by his predecessor.

India is a sovereign country, friendly nation to Malaysia and of future strategic importance. They deserve the respect as another sovereign country and should not be prejudiced against.

Zakir maybe a great debator in interfaith debate like the late Ahmad Deedat. His method maybe suitable for India but not Malaysia.

• Adversarial "dakwah" was not the appeal that made Islam appeal to the early inhabitants of Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago.

Historically, Islam came to this region through trade and the spiritual sufi practising preachers.

They adopt the approach of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to spread Islam in non-aggressive manner through the appeal of kindness, truthfulness, honesty and good behaviour.

Interfaith debate approach by Zakir is most inappropriate as it would be perceived as disrespectful and insulting on non-Muslims and their faith.

It does not serve to spread Islam except staged drama of instant conversions.

All religion generally believe to each religion his own and that is the basis to respect the faith and ritual of other religion.

The recent reminder by Permasuri of Johor, Tuanku Raja Zarith Sofea that Muslims should respect non-Muslim is not only approproate but the teaching of Islan and expected behaviour of Islam.

Unleashing Zakir to the public is insensitive on the part of Muslims.

The non-Muslims should not be provocative and felt beseiged. There are sympathetic practising Muslims not "entertained" by the presence of Zakir.

Without revealing the outfit or organisations, the quoted Quranic passages and Hadith cited by Zakir have been studied.

Many are of questionable references, wrong quotations, and some quotes are non-existent. Zakir refused their attempt for a private intellectual dialog.

In the meanwhile, critics of Zakir should not go overboard. As long as he is in this country, he and all of us must respect the law and continue to exist in peace.