KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ali (pic) is defending the Government's right to grant Dr Zakir Naik permanent resident (PR) status, saying none of the allegations against the controversial preacher have been proven. "It is the right of the government of the day to grant political asylum or PR status to him. He never promotes terrorism or extremism and we cannot prove any allegations of money-laundering," said the Perkasa president, adding that the Government should not entertain calls to deport Zakir or revoke his PR status. The Indian government is also seeking an Interpol Red Notice against Dr Zakir to curb his movements out of Saudi Arabia where he is currently based. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last week confirmed that Zakir had permanent resident status, which was given to him about five years ago.

Source: The Star April 22, 2017 08:48 UTC