Muslim or non-Muslim preachers who put down and criticise other religions or beliefs in their religious talks are not welcome in this country, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy.

Waythamoorthy said such an attitude would only cause uneasiness among the multiracial and multi-religious people in the country.

He also shared the sentiment of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa about controversial preacher Zakir Naik’s style of delivering religious talks where he was often seen putting down other religions.

“I agree with Mujahid's statement on Zakir, as it can affect the racial unity and harmony in the country.

"Not just Zakir, but other Muslim or non-Muslim preachers including Hindus who enter this country and criticise other religions cannot be accepted.

“It is important to understand that all parties must respect each other,” he told reporters after attending a programme with the Siamese community at Wat Siam Kampung Lampam, Pendang today.

Yesterday, Mujahid was quoted as saying that Zakir's combative style of propagating Islam, which put down other beliefs, was not suitable for Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Waythamoorthy said the government was planning to hold the Cultural Diversity Day early next year in an effort to strengthen the strengthen unity among the people in the country.

“It is still at discussion stage and a large-scale campaign will be carried out to attract people of all races to the programme,” he added.

On today’s programme, the minister, who is charge of national unity and social wellbeing, said the Siamese community there had raised several issues pertaining to their welfare including their agricultural land, citizenship as well as higher education.

- Bernama