Controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik has filed a police report against Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy and three others.

The others named in the report were Klang MP Charles Santiago, Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Satees Muniandy and former ambassador Dennis J Ignatius.

The Indian-born preacher, who is a Malaysian permanent resident, lodged the report in Shah Alam this morning.

According to the report, sighted by Malaysiakini, Zakir accused the five of defaming him with their statements and articles.

Citing a slew of articles, he said: “The press releases and articles had misled and confused the public at large towards the true intention of my speech (in Kelantan last week) in spreading 'dakwah' (preaching), peace and harmony among the citizens.”

“The said individuals had wrongly quoted me out of context during my reply to one of the questions posed to me after my speech on the topic 'Misconceptions about Islam'. Clearly, they had twisted and manipulated to my disadvantage and to feed their mischievous own political agenda,” he added.

According to Zakir, he had actually praised Malaysia for its genuine Islamic way in treating Hindu minorities and in upholding their rights.

He said this was something which the Indian government had failed to do so with regard to its minorities.

“The defamatory statements have, inter alia, in no uncertain terms tarnished, smeared and/or damaged my reputation, standing and/or credibility and inflicted myself with scandal, odium and untold contempt in the eyes of the public.

“The said unfounded allegations and unwarranted instigation against me have created communal disharmony and discord among the peaceful citizens of Malaysia,” he added.

As for Ignatius, the preacher claimed the former ambassador's articles have given the impression that he is a person of bad character.

“The ramifications created by the said defamatory statements are unfounded, untrue and defamatory in nature and constitute a grave and bitter slander upon myself.

“I lodge this report so as to enable the police to commence an investigation against the said individuals under the Penal Code and/or Sedition Act and other relevant laws for defaming me and for instigating racial disharmony and hatred among the citizens of Malaysia,” he added.

Zakir is represented by lawyers Akberdin Abdul Kader and Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.