[Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman (left) attending a lecture presented by Islamic scholar Dr Zakir Naik (Photo: MalaysiaTimes)]
George Town: Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy must apologise to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for insulting Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik, an Umno assemblyman said.
Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah (BN-Teluk Bahang) said Ramasamy must ask for forgiveness as Zakir was conferred the Tokoh Maal Hijrah award by the King, according to a report published by freemalaysiatoday.com.
Shah Headan said it was regrettable that Ramasamy had uttered hurtful words towards an intellect such as Zakir.
“Unfortunately, Zakir has been misunderstood by many quarters.
“It is even regrettable that harsh comments towards Zakir were made by none other than the third highest man in power in the state, YB Prai (Ramasamy) himself.
“Ramasamy called him a satan on Facebook.
“I wonder why he chose to use that word which has stirred up the emotions of Muslims nationwide,” he said in his debate of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly this evening.
Ramasamy was not present at the time of the debate.
Shah Headan reminded Ramasamy that Malaysians from all walks of life must respect all visiting religious leaders and preachers.
He said Ramasamy’s action was against the spirit of the Federal Constitution and affected the credibility of the King.
“I am sure Ramasamy has realised his mistake by now.
“So, on behalf of all Penangites, I would like to ask Ramasamy to apologise to the King in writing.”
Ramasamy had apologised for calling Zakir Naik “satan” after his reference went viral on social media. In a statement, Ramasamy admitted that on April 10, he had called Zakir “satan” in a Facebook post, when writing that Zakir had been giving hate speeches on faiths other than Islam.
“On the same day, I realised the word ‘satan’ was inappropriate and I removed it from my Facebook page,” Ramasamy had said.
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