Zakir Naik: Political tool or unifying element?

COMMENT | So who is using whom? Is Zakir Naik a convenient political pawn and a conduit for politicians to cling to power? Or is the hate preacher the catalyst for right thinking and peace-loving Malaysians to unite, and rid the nation of more bigotry and extremism?

We have just finished celebrating Hari Raya Haji, also known as the 'Festival of the Sacrifice'. It is strange that Zakir wields so much power over a former prime minister, the current prime minister and various leaders, ulama and MPs.

Are these men blind, or has Zakir massaged their egos to the point that they are prepared to sacrifice the goodwill and hard work of the rakyat, who has, for many decades, been torn apart by racial and religious strife?

Dr Mahathir Mohamad is probably the most powerful man in Malaysia, but he has succumbed to Zakir's charm.

Zakir's charisma is so potent that the guardians of Islam in Malaysia fail to see that he is prepared to treat Malaysians like sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.

Despite being reviled around the world, Malaysia regards him as a hero. Last week, the Kelantan authorities treated him like a visiting head of state...