INTERVIEW | Education minister-designate Maszlee Malik has clarified that his support for controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik extends as far as for the latter’s freedom of speech, but not for his alleged preaching of hatred.

Ever since the Simpang Renggam MP was announced for the ministerial post last Friday, criticism against his apparent support for Zakir has surfaced.

In response, Maszlee explained that his support was based on his commitment to the principle of freedom of speech, but that he did not condone any incitement of hatred, as Zakir has been accused of doing.

“I respect freedom of speech, just like I respect freedom of expression,” he told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview last night...