Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy has denied that an event planned at a Hindu temple involves a rally against controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

The Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairperson said the event is not a rally but a prayer session for Hindus who have been hurt and humiliated by the likes of Zakir and Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

"Following the prayer session, a few participants intend to lodge police reports against those who have humiliated and demeaned Hinduism in the past few years including Zakir and Asri," Ramasamy said.

It was out of a good intention or naivety that the organisers sought police permission about less than ten days ago, he added.

"In fact, there was no need in the first place for the police to give permission," Ramasamy said, adding that the police are not in the business of telling what Hindus should or should not do...