The three-hour event was largely incident-free, although things became a little chaotic when some members of the congregation jostled to snap photographs with Naik as he was about to leave the mosque.
The event, “Malam Islam Bersatu”, was organised by the mosque’s committee, which is chaired by PPBM supreme council member Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen, who has been a vocal Naik supporter.
Also present were Umno and PAS leaders including Serkam assemblyman Zaidi Attan, Merlimau assemblyman Roslan Ahmad and Melaka PAS commissioner Kamaruddin Sidek.
Rafiq said no untoward incident occurred despite Naik’s presence, .
“Thousand of Muslims united irrespective of political ideologies and race. This evening’s event went about peacefully. It quashes claims that this event would fail and would not achieve its objective. I am perplexed as to why a religious programme would be objected by many.”
Rafiq said that he hoped the Naik speaking ban would be rescinded.
He also said that tonight’s event should not be politicised as it had nothing to do with any political party. “The Chinese Mosque is not a PPBM mosque,” he said.
He hoped that ties with other Pakatan Harapan leaders would not be affected by his organising the event. Some members of the ruling coalition, such as Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee of DAP, have called a state ban on Naik from speaking in the state. The decision was made by Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahary.
Rafiq urged those who attended the event to back prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision not to deport Naik to India, where he faces a charge of money laundering, despite recent public outcries over Naik’s speeches in Kelantan.
Naik was reported to have questioned the loyalty of Malaysian Hindus to Mahathir and was later quoted as saying that the Chinese community in Malaysia were also considered to be “guests” in the country. Police have barred Naik, who has permanent resident status in Malaysia, from speaking in public saying that his presence could pose a threat to the peace.
Rafiq urged attendees to push aside their political differences and defend Naik. “Don’t let Mahathir to stand alone. Naik is not a criminal. He hasn’t killed anyone. Why are we afraid of Naik?” he said.