KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian government will seek to force controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik out of the country, after his incendiary attacks on minorities last week fuelled criticism of its refusal to deport the fugitive Indian televangelist.

The Straits Times understands that the Malaysian Cabinet agreed on Wednesday (Aug 14) that Dr Zakir - who was granted permanent residence by the ousted Barisan Nasional administration - should leave.