KOTA KINABALU: Sabah may be the eighth state in the country to ban the entry of controversial speaker, Zakir Naik.
However, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Haji Apdal wants to study the reports from the security agencies first.
“If there is proof, we will stop his entry,” he said.
He reminded that the Islamic practice in Sabah is based on Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
“This is a teaching based on moderation. In Islam, we cannot force people to share our beliefs. And, it also teaches us not to belittle other people and other religions,” he said, when asked to comment on whether the Sabah government will ban Zakir Naik from entering the state.
Shafie said he also wants the people to live peacefully and in harmony and united with each other.
The seven states that have banned the speaker from entering are Sarawak, Selangor, Perlis, Kedah, Melaka, Pulau Pinang and Johor. States that have yet to impose any ban are Sabah, Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu.