Malaysian PM Meets Zakir Naik as Govt Rules out Deportation Plan

Zakir Naik is facing various charges, including for hate speech and money laundering.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@SinghVarun)

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad met controversial preacher Zakir Naik, even as a ruling party strategist stoutly defended the government's decision not to deport the controversial Muslim preacher, Malaysian media reported on Sunday, 8 July.

Naik is wanted in India for alleged terror activities and money laundering. The meeting, which may not go down well in New Delhi, took place a day after Prime Minister Mahathir ruled out deporting Naik, who has permanent residency status in Malaysia, unless he breaks Malaysian laws.

“I can confirm that Naik went to see Tun (Mahathir) this morning (Saturday),” Free Malaysia Today reported quoting a source as saying.

It is unclear as to what Naik discussed with Mahathir in their first meeting since the ruling Pakatan Harapan assumed power in Putrajaya, the report said. The meeting, which was unscheduled, was said to be brief, it said.

Naik Will Eventually Be Arrested: Hansraj Ahir

On Friday, 6 July, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir said Naik will eventually be arrested and brought to justice. His statement came hours after the Malaysian prime minister declared Naik was a permanent resident and will not be sent back.

The Indian government had, on Thursday, 5 July, said that its request for the extradition of the controversial clergyman was under "active consideration" of the Malaysian government.

Addressing a press conference on 6 July, Mohamad said that Naik will not be deported as long as he does not cause a problem.

“As long as he is not creating any problem, we will not deport him because he has been given permanent residency status,” AFP quoted the prime minister as saying.

India Has Made Formal Request for Extradition: EAM

Naik is facing various charges, including for hate speech and money laundering through the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) that he founded.

We had made a formal request for extradition of Zakir Naik, an Indian national living in Malaysia. It was made as per the extradition treaty we have in place with Malaysia. At this stage, all I can say is that our request is under active consideration of the Malaysian authorities.

Raveesh Kumar, External Affairs Spokesperson

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had first registered a case against the evangelist under anti-terror laws in 2016 for promoting enmity between religious groups.

On Wednesday, 3 July, Naik in a statement said that he had no plans to come to India till he felt safe from "unfair prosecution". "When I feel that the government will be just and fair, I will surely return to my homeland," he has said.

(With inputs from AFP, IANS)