The Kelantan government will ensure the safety of visitors at the Zakir Naik’s Kelantan Missionary Tour Programme to be held from Aug 7 to 10.

State Human Resource Development, Education and Higher Learning, Science and Technology Committee chairperson Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state government had held discussions with the Kelantan police chief Hasanuddin Hassan on the organisation of the event prior to this.

‘’We take cognisance that the preacher we invite is a famous person. Surely, we will prioritise the safety aspect of all quarters including visitors.

‘’The police have given their agreement to ensure the safety aspect of all quarters will be prioritised and we hope this programme will proceed smoothly as planned,’’ he told a press conference which was also attended by the project director, Che Abdullah Mat Nawi in Kota Bharu today.

Among the programmes which would be held include Young People Talk, Executive Talk, Friday Sermon, Muslimah Talk, Appreciation of Wukuf Day, and the peak programme, Unity of Muslims, Premier Oratory.

Fadzli said about 100,000 visitors were expected to be present at the peak programme which would take place on Aug 9 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, which would start at 5pm until 11.45pm.

‘’We invite Zakir to Kelantan with one spirit that his preaching shows the distinctiveness, beauty, harmony and tolerance of true Islam and it is in line with Kelantan, a state which develops along with Islam,’’ he added.

Fadzli said the programme was also to express the solidarity of the people of Kelantan with Zakir and simultaneously supporting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was reported to have said that the government would not be extraditing the preacher to India.

- Bernama