Famous Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik has categorically dismissed circulating rumours that he was diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with his lawyer describing the claims as entirely baseless. Speaking through legal representative Akberdin Abdul Kadir, Zakir labelled the allegations “rubbish” and “fake news,” emphasizing that there was no truth to the rumours.
Akberdin told Malaysiakini that the claims were fabricated and malicious, highlighting that they were spread by irresponsible individuals aiming to tarnish Zakir’s reputation due to his widespread popularity and influence.
The lawyer clarified that the preacher was in good health during their last meeting and is actively working to identify the sources behind the false allegations before determining further legal action.
The rumours had claimed that Zakir was undergoing treatment for AIDS at a private hospital in the Klang Valley, a claim that has been firmly denied. Zakir, an Indian national with permanent residency in Malaysia, is the founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and left his medical career in 1991 to dedicate himself fully to Islamic preaching.
His presence in Malaysia has generated both support and controversy, particularly after legal issues in India prompted him to reside there. In 2019, he faced backlash for comments considered offensive toward Chinese and Indian Malaysians, resulting in over 100 police reports.
His remarks, including referring to Chinese Malaysians as “guests” and questioning the political loyalty of Indian Malaysians, led to a temporary ban on his public speaking activities.
Despite these controversies, Zakir Naik continues to maintain a large following in Malaysia and English-speaking countries, although several nations have barred his entry due to concerns over his rhetoric.
His legal team’s swift denial of the AIDS rumours underscores ongoing efforts to protect his reputation and counter misinformation, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures in managing false claims in the digital age.
