Malaysian PM Ibrahim Says Zakir Naik's Extradition Not Raised By PM Modi

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a three-day visit to India, said that if evidence is submitted, terrorism will not be condoned when questioned about the extradition of Zakir Naik.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday said the issue regarding the extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was not raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the talks between the two leaders.

Ibrahim said that the extradition of the controversial preacher was raised by India "many years" back. The Malaysian Prime Minister made the remarks during a press briefing in New Delhi on the second day of his three-day visit to the country. 

Responding to a question on the extradition of Naik, the Malaysian Prime Minister said, "It was not raised by the prime minister. He did raise much earlier, many years back. But the issue is, I'm not talking about one person, I'm talking about the sentiment of extremism, of compelling cases and evidence that suggests the atrocities committed by an individual or groups or parties. These are of concern to us. The atrocities of Israeli forces in Gaza, that is real."

"We are open to any ideas and if evidence is submitted. We will not condone terrorism. But we have to produce a compelling case to support it. We have been tough. We've been working together with India on many of these issues against terrorism," he added. 

Zakir Naik is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016. 

Anwar Ibrahim said he didn't think that one case should deter the two countries from further collaboration and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Jaideep Mazumdar earlier today did not give a direct reply on Naik's extradition but added all relevant issues were discussed. 

Speaking on Indo-Pacific, Anwar Ibrahim said that Malaysia's position is of centrality and to avoid any action or decision that could lead to unnecessary provocation.

"That position to me is paramount, is pertinent in ensuring a peaceful region, particularly in the Asia Pacific - both in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. I think that position should be respected," the Malaysian PM said.

India and Malaysia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership after PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim held extensive talks focusing on expanding cooperation in several sectors including trade, investment and defence.