Zakaria told The Malaysian Insider that he will not be pressured to apologise, saying that the situation has been exaggerated by politicians.
“I will not apologise because I am sure that I did not commit any offence. There is no reason for me to apologise.
“I will not bow pressure, I do not need to do so,” Zakaria added.
He said political leaders were purposely making up stories that he had recited prayers for the chief minister’s well-being.
“I did recite a prayer for the chief minister but the prayer was to show guidance to him… After this I will not recite that prayer during Friday sermons elsewhere,” he said.
Zakaria also stressed that he did not drop the King’s name during the sermon.
“Before this, they said that I dropped the name of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, but a few days ago they said that I was reciting prayers for the welfare of the chief minister ... This question does not arise because in the sermon, I mentioned the leaders of the country which means all leaders including the head of state (Yang di-Pertuan Agong),” he said.
It was reported yesterday that Penang Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had told Zakaria to immediately make a public apology to the King.
Zahid said disrespect to the King could not be forgiven just because Zakaria had explained to the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department.
“He should publicly ask for forgiveness from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for intentionally not mentioning his name as head of state and head of the Islamic religion,” said Zahid.
Zakaria described the issue as a small matter that has been exaggerated by politicians and thanked the state religious council for its advice to him.
On the possibility of legal action, Zakaria said he would give a few individuals, mainstream newspapers and a television station to make a public apology by the end of the month or face a legal suit regarding the sermon.
“Previously, I decided to give two days but since National Day is on Tuesday I have decided to give until the end of the month and if they still do not apologise, then I will take legal action early next month,” he said.
On August 19, Zahid said Penang Umno was protesting the use of Lim’s name in the Friday sermon in place of the name of the King.