Justifying preacher Zamihan Mat Zin's behaviour may affect the federal government's standing, warned MCA religious harmony bureau chief Ti Lian Ker.

"We urge the government not to justify his behaviour nor to defend Zamihan as the person who is able to help the militants as this will only cause the public to hate the government in power," said Ti in a statement today.

He said that Putrajaya must not protect Zamihan as the opposition parties will take advantage of the situation to claim that the preacher was protected by certain "godfathers".

"He must not be shielded. What is wrong is wrong and we cannot justify it just because he is an expert in deradicalising militants," said Ti...