Zakir Naik agrees on opening Islamic Research Centre in Terengganu

Top Islamic preacher, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik has agreed to accept the offer by the Terengganu government to open up an Islamic research centre or a branch for the South-east Asian region in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said Dr Zakir would send his representative in the near future to scrutinise the proposal.

He said the state government offered three islands in the Tasik Kenyir area for the purpose to Dr Zakir.

"Among the matters discussed were the development to be implemented in the area and Dr Zakir also asked for ideas from the state government to develop the area," he told reporters after attending a briefing on erosion at Pantai Kampung Tanjung Gelam, here today.

READ: 'Thank you, Hindraf' - Dr Zakir Naik

Ahmad Razif said Dr Zakir was considering setting up an Islamic school in the area soon.

Dr Zakir, who originates from India and was the 2013 International Tokoh Maal Hijrah award recipient, is on a tour to give general talks on various topics in several states including Terengganu, Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, in another development, Ahmad Razif said the state government was also prepared to host a forum on Islam next year.

He said that in the three-day programme, he intended to invite 30 religious speakers at the international level.

"This initiative is in conjunction with the Visit Terengganu Year next year and we will gather 30 international speakers to discuss Islamic issues," he said.

READ: Talk by Dr Zakir Naik's son in Penang allowed on two conditions