Its honorary secretary Prematilaka Serisena said a religious man would teach a person to be better in life and respect others, not belittle them.

“If he is a religious man, he would follow religious tenets. He would know what to do. Every religion teaches us to respect our neighbours.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t just say I am a Muslim. He should not be spiteful,” he said referring to the controversial Zakir who is scheduled to speak in several states in Malaysia.

The interfaith group also expressed disappointment over the speeches by Zakir, who, Prematilaka said, was constantly condemning other religions. “It seems that is his modus operandi.”

“He might be good in Islam but he should not bash other religions. He does not bring people together, he separates people,” added Prematilaka.

He said Malaysians, under the Constitution, had the freedom to practice any religion, a fundamental principle, and “we do not want anyone to disrupt the peace”.

Zakir’s presence in Malaysia has ruffled feathers, with MIC Youth and various Hindu groups telling the Government to bar him from speaking.

Zakir, who is the Islamic Research Foundation president, spoke in Terengganu last week at the invitation of the state government.

He last visited Malaysia in 2012. His presence then also invited similar protests from the Hindu community.