Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik has thanked the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) for giving free publicity to his upcoming lecture in Malacca this Sunday.
The International Islamic preacher said now, he could speak to an even bigger audience.
"First of all I would like to thank Hindraf. I would like to thank them for giving me free publicity. Now I speak to a bigger audience.
"The second thing I would like to thank them for is in getting the Muslims together [...] When the enemies come, it unites the Muslims," he said when asked about his upcoming speech.
Dr Zakir said this during a Q&A session after delivering his lecture titled "Does God Exist?" at Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Besut, Terengganu, last night.
READ: 8 facts you need to know about controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik
At the same time, he also thanked the Malaysian government for allowing him to give a public lecture at the Technical University of Malaysia Malacca (UTeM) despite him having to change his topic from "Similarities between Hinduism and Islam" to "Women's Rights in Islam".
"With what has happened, I feel that the attendees in Malacca will increase.
"What I believe is that, if I can unite even a small number of Muslims, I am grateful and pray that Allah will bless my efforts," Dr Zakir added.
The public lecture in UTeM was initially cancelled following objections from Hindraf and other Indian-based groups. However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday said the Malaysian government has allowed for the lecture to proceed provided Dr Zakir change his topic.
Last night's lecture was attended by about 30,000 people, including Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
READ: Talk by Dr Zakir Naik's son in Penang allowed on two conditions
READ: Penang's P. Ramasamy regrets calling Dr Zakir Naik "syaitan"
Astro Awani
Wed Apr 13 2016
Dr Zakir (centre, right) and Ahmad Razif (centre, left) surrounded by thousands of attendees during last night's lecture at SM Imtiaz Besut. - BERNAMApic
AI Revolution: Will Malaysia’s workforce sink or swim?
AI is no longer a distant concept, it is actively transforming industries, reshaping job markets, and redefining the skills needed.
Dalai Lama says his successor to be born outside China
Beijing insists it will choose his successor, but the Dalai Lama says any successor named by China would not be respected.
Philippines' ex-President Duterte arrested at ICC's request over 'drugs war', government says
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at a Manila airport and the ex-leader is now in custody, the office of the president said.
US judge says Musk's DOGE must release records on operations run in 'secrecy'
The ruling, the first of its kind, marks an early victory for advocates pushing DOGE to be more transparent about its role in mass firings.
How to Get to Merdeka 118: Your Complete Guide
Heres everything you need to know about getting there efficiently.
Trump's renewed interest in Greenland lacks respect, says prime minister
Greenland, whose population is only 57,000, belongs to its people and that it should decide on its own future, says it's PM.
Why Canada is jailing more Indigenous people despite Trudeau's promises
Sentencing rules, supervisory orders and parole denials drive higher incarceration rates.
BRICS' climate leadership aims hang on healing deep divides
So far the middle-income BRICS have resisted demands from cash-strapped developed countries that they should share financial liability.
As US restores some aid, humanitarian groups ask: where is the money?
The United Nations has started evaluating "choices we are making on which lives not to save" due to cuts.
Social media platform X down again for thousands of users, Downdetector shows
Elon Musk's social media platform X was down again for thousands of users in the United States, according to Downdetector.com.
The end of cheap palm oil? Output stalls as biodiesel demand surges
Palm oil now trades at a premium over soybean oil, reversing past discounts.
UK Minister’s visit reinforces shared commitment to secure and resilient growth
The UK and Malaysia will step up cooperation to drive economic growth through trade and investment in key sectors.
Mark Carney, crisis-fighting central banker, to lead Canada through US trade war
Mark Carney argues Canada must fight Trump's tariffs with dollar for dollar retaliation and diversify trading relations in the medium term.
China vows utmost efforts for 'peaceful reunification' with Taiwan
China will also take all necessary steps to safeguard the country's territorial integrity, it's foreign ministry says.
Hanoi bans tours on Train Street
The tourism department urges travel agencies to warn staff about traffic accident risks near train street cafes.
Room for talks on opposition MP allocations - PM
PM says issues can be raised in meetings, and the draft MoU on opposition allocations can be amended if needed.
Philippines' Duterte says he will accept arrest if ICC issues warrant
The International Criminal Court is set to issue a warrant over Rodrigo Duterte's years-long "war on drugs" that killed thousands.
May 6 decision on Najib's representation to drop RM27 mln SRC money laundering charges
The prosecution is requesting a new case management date to update on the outcome of the representation.
Doctor rearrested over multiple indecent behaviour claims
According to police, the doctor's initial remand period ends today but he was rearrested in connection with the third police report.
Malaysia has to sign at least eight protocols to use nuclear energy - MOSTI
Chang Lih Kang says nuclear energy use is regulated by international conventions and UN Security Council resolutions.