Malaysian PM says ‘no’ to the extradition of Zakir Naik to India

July 6, 2018: The Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad has said that the renowned Islamic preacher ‘Zakir Naik’ will not be deported to India, while addressing a press conference on Friday. He said that the world famous scholar will not be sent back as long as he stays without creating any problem.

“As long as he is not creating any problem, we will not deport him because he has been given permanent residency status,” said the Malaysian PM.

The founder of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV’ Zakir Naik left for Malaysia in 2016, wherein he was granted a permanent residency. Since then he has not returned to India, where he is wanted for allegedly conducting terror-related activities and hate speech, which he has always denied. Interestingly, there are no clear evidences or facts present to support the allegations made against him.

A formal request has been made by India for the extradition of Naik. On Thursday, the India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that the country’s request is under ‘active consideration’ as of now.

On the other hand, the MoS Home Hansraj Ahir responded to the statement made by the Malaysian PM. He said that the Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik will not be spared.

“Maybe not now but eventually he will be arrested and brought to justice, he will not be spared,” said Hansraj Ahir.

Earlier this week, Zakir Naik denied the reports which suggested that the preacher was returning to India. He called them “totally baseless and false”.

“The news of my coming to India is totally baseless and false. Till I don’t feel safe from unfair prosecution, I have no plans to come to India. Insha Allah I will surely return to my homeland, when I feel that the government will be just and fair,” said Naik, who has been forced to live in Malaysia from last 2 years due to the allegations made against him.