Universiti Teknikal Malaysia (Utem) will adhere by the police order and will not host the forum featuring the controversial Muslim preacher from India, Zakir Naik.

Utem vice-chancellor Shahrin Sahib said after considering factors on safety and the police order, they decided not to host the programme.

In a statement today, Shahrin clarified that Utem was originally the host, not the organiser of the event, which was scheduled to be held at its campus in Malacca on April 17.

"As an excellent centre of knowledge, Utem views that it's a good knowledge programme.

"Utem was only involved as a host, but not as the organiser."

According to a promotional poster on the forum, Zakir was scheduled to deliver a talk titled 'Similarities between Hinduism and Islam'.

Zakir, who was in 2013 awarded the 'Tokoh Ma'al Hijrah Distinguished International Personality' by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is currently in Terengganu, attending several events at the invitation of Menteri Besar Mohamad Razif Ismail.

Police reports lodged

Both the MIC and several Indian-based NGOs yesterday lodged police reports against Zakir's scheduled lecture, protesting his allegedly anti-Hindu remarks made in the past.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar instructed the organisers today to cancel the event on grounds of potential public unrest and to protect religious sensitivities in the country.

Khalid said the organisers have been summoned to Bukit Aman.

Meanwhile, Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin said he has obtained the approval from the Raja Muda of Perlis for Zakir to give a talk in the state.

In a posting on Facebook, Asri said: "If his Malacca forum fails, InshaAllah, Perlis is open for him.

"I have spoken to the organiser and am waiting for further development."