Two Indian-Muslim restaurant associations have denied that their members donated money to controversial preacher Zakir Naik or his family, as alleged in a viral social media message.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) vice-president Ali Shajahan Kamaruddin said the association named in the message as having donated the funds – the Mamak Malaysian Restaurant Association (PRMM) – does not exist.
“That association does not exist but Presma is being chided because of the viral message. It just doesn’t make sense,” the head of Presma, which has about 4,000 members nationwide, told The Malaysian Insight.
Last week, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that Zakir’s permanent resident status could be revoked should he be found to be detrimental to the nation’s well-being.
Zakir has since been banned from preaching in seven states and has been hauled up by Bukit Aman to give statements after his speech in Kota Baru, Kelantan, earlier this month, in which he allegedly insulted the country’s Hindu and Chinese communities.
Malaysian Indian Muslim Restaurant Operators Association (Primas) president T Muthusamy also said he had never heard of PRMM.
“I have met many Indian-Muslim associations and civil society bodies, but never any representatives from this association (PRMM),” he said.
He said PRMM’s boast that it has 17,351 members in Malaysia was also absurd.
“The association said it has 17,351 restaurants in Malaysia, (which) is actually a very large number and sounds inaccurate to me.
“From a logistical (standpoint), to get that number of Indian-Muslim restaurants alone is impossible,” he said.
Both associations were commenting on a message that went viral on social media today, urging Malaysians to boycott Indian-Muslim restaurants for donating to Zakir and his son.
“(PRMM) members donated RM10 to Zakir and each month, he earns a fixed income of RM175,000.
“And, all this money is given to Zakir to destroy unity in the country.
“Indirectly, everyone involved will help this Indian refugee if they go to mamak restaurants. Let’s boycott mamak restaurants all over Malaysia,” the message read.
Meanwhile, Muthusamy said it was not possible for any of Primas’ members to make donations in its name without the association’s consent.
He said of Primas’ 1,150 members, who are banana leaf restaurant operators, 25% were Indian-Muslims.
Muthusamy, however, said while some parties may try to take advantage of the issue, it should be left to the authorities to handle.
“I do not want to comment on Primas’ position as this issue is racially and religiously sensitive.
“The case is under investigation so let the police handle this issue,” he said, adding tension between the races should not be stoked and the spreading of hate should stop. – TMI