If sufficient evidence is presented, we will consider taking action against Zakir Naik : Malaysian PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also states that India has never raised the issue of Zakir Naik

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Zakir Naik

New Delhi – “So far, India has never raised the issue of Zakir Naik. Prime Minister Modi had raised this issue many years ago. However, it was not about any individual, but rather about sentiment of extremism. If sufficient evidence is presented, we will consider taking action against Zakir Naik. The Malaysian Government will welcome any evidence related to Zakir’s case,” stated Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim regarding the extradition of Jihadi Zakir Naik. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently on a visit to India, made this statement in response to a question during an event.

The Malaysian PM said that the issues of terrorism are of concern to his nation adding that India and Malaysia have been working together on the issue. He further said that one issue like Zakir Naik should not deter the two nations from further collaboration.

Government protection from Malaysia to Zakir Naik, who fled from India

Zakir Naik, wanted in India in cases related to provocative speeches, money laundering, and terrorism, fled to Saudi Arabia in 2016 and later moved to Malaysia. There, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamed, granted him permanent residency.

Expectations from India regarding minority issues

During the event, Prime Minister Anwar stated, “I do not deny that the Indian Government faces some serious issues related to minorities or religious sentiments, but I hope that India will continue to uphold its appropriate stance in addressing these issues.” Prime Minister Ibrahim made this statement as bilateral relations between India and Malaysia are gradually getting back on track.

Current India-Malaysia relations

After India removed Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir on 5^thAugust 2019, the then Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamed, criticised this move. He also criticised India regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In response, India strongly objected and banned the import of palm oil from Malaysia.

Editorial Perspectives

• This essentially means that Malaysia is indicating that the evidence presented by India is insufficient. Pakistan also makes similar excused to save Jihadi terrorists, and now Malaysia is doing the same. This makes it clear that Malaysia will not extradite Zakir Naik to India.

• India has not been able to repatriate several key figures : the mastermind behind the Mumbai bomb blasts, Dawood Ibrahim, from Pakistan; the terrorists involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, also from Pakistan; the main accused in the bank fraud case, Nirav Modi, from Britain; and Zakir Naik, who spreads hatred in India, from Malaysia. Given this, until these countries hand over these criminals to India, India should adopt a firm stance of not engaging with them in any manner.