“Dialogues like these should be encouraged to help form understanding and to find the truth. However, our society is not open-minded enough for us to discuss religion among ourselves, not like people are in other countries,” said Unity president Shah Kirit Kakulal Govindji in a report by Sinar Harian.

“These discussions should be done in an environment that is civilised, respectful, and that doesn’t belittle other religions.”

Shah Kirit was referring to the recent controversy surrounding international Muslim speaker Dr Zakir Naik, whose critics have called for his banning and deportation from Malaysia due to his allegedly extremist views.

Zakir was previously banned from speaking at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), but was later allowed to speak there after he agreed to change the topic of his speech.

Zakir has also been offered a chance to lecture in Perlis by its mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, an invitation he has accepted.

“I am grateful that the government has agreed to allow Dr Zakir Naik’s forum on religion at UTeM,” said Mohd Asri.

The Kelantan government has also announced its readiness to have the Islamic figure speak in Kelantan, with state executive councillor Mohamed Fadzli Hassan saying that they will be contacting Zakir soon.

He said that the lectures will also be attended by Muslim NGOs so open debates with Zakir could be held.

“His lectures will help erode misunderstanding and extremism among the various religions,” Mohamed Fadzli said. “We’ll hold the lectures openly, and the title of his speeches will not be controversial or insulting towards other religions.

“The state government will pick the title based on Islam and mutual harmony.”