Malaysia exam paper poses question on Zakir Naik, calls hate-preacher 'icon'

After an uproar broke out on social media over a university examination question which praised controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik by calling him an “icon in Islamic world", Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has initiated an inquiry. In a statement, it has said that it will review vetting procedures of exam questions for particular course.

In its defence, UniMAP said this was to ensure lecturers were more proactive on sensitivities of race and religion in formulating exam questions, ding that issue was being investigated.

'UniMAP takes this issue seriously'

“As a university comprising students of various races and cultures, UniMAP takes this issue seriously and any feedback will prioritise aspects of unity and tolerance between races,” it said in a statement on Monday. exam on Naik h appeared in an Ethnic Relations paper set by university. 

multiple-choice question re: “Zakir Naik is one of icons of Islamic world. He is very active in spreing true Islam and following Quran and Sunnah of Rasulullah SAW. He is able to reason and to answer every question that is asked to him. However, in Malaysia, he is no longer allowed to deliver his preaching. In your opinion, as a Malaysian, why does this happen?”

Students were asked to choose one of four answers:

1) Malaysians do not bor to receive information.

2) Malaysians are sensitive and feel threatened for no reason.

3) Malaysians just follow crowd without verifying any information.

4) Malaysians are ignorant about ir own religions.

 Education Ministry’s Higher Education Department is expecting an explanation from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) over  question. However, in department’s statement released on Monday, issued by office of its director-general, re is no mention about any action against UniMAP.

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India has been seeking extrition of Naik

India has been seeking extrition of Naik, a 53-year-old rical television preacher, who left India in 2016 and subsequently moved to Malaysia. Naik was booked by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2016 based on an FIR, registered under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, by National Investigation Agency. ED said Naik received funds worth crores of rupees in his and his trusts' bank accounts from unidentified "well-wishers" over years for his speeches that spre "hatred and incited Muslim youths" to take up terrorism.

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