KUALA LUMPUR: PAS has congratulated the prime minister for allowing controversial preacher Zakir Naik to remain in the country as the holder of a permanent resident (PR) status.
The party's deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said in line with his PR status, it was the government's responsibility to defend Zakir's dignity.
"PAS would like to congratulate the move by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to allow Zakir Naik to remain in Malaysia as a permanent resident, from being sent back to India to face accusations created by the Indian government," Tuan Ibrahim said in a statement today.
He added that the prime minister's 'stern statement' in defending Zakir was the right move, in line with the Islamic policy of protecting its people from becoming victims of oppression and tyranny.
"PAS is strong in its principle of supporting all good (makruf) actions taken by the government and opposing what is bad and divisive.
"This is in line with the policy of mature and harmonious politics and the concept of cooperation (at-taawun) practiced by the party (PAS)," he added.
Yesterday Dr Mahathir said Zakir would not be deported and would remain in the country as long as he was not creating any problem, as he has been granted a permanent resident status here.
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