Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that he is “open to any evidence” from India concerning its request for the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Anwar emphasised that Naik has not made any controversial statements against India while in Malaysia.
“As long as Zakir Naik does not cause problems or pose a security threat, we will let the matter rest. However, we are open to considering any evidence provided by India for his extradition under the law,” said Ibrahim, who is visiting India for the first time since becoming Prime Minister in 2022.
The Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar brought up the issue of Zakir Naik’s extradition during their discussion.
Zakir Naik, originally from Mumbai, left India in 2016 following accusations of promoting hatred and money laundering. The previous Mahathir Mohamed administration in Malaysia granted him permanent residency, which displeased India. His Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) has been banned in India.
Kashmir is a purely domestic issue of India: Malaysian PM
The Malaysian Prime Minister declined to comment on the Kashmir issue, labelling it as a “purely domestic issue” of India. “We have not taken an open stance on Kashmir. Our focus is on maintaining peace and security while reducing tensions,” he stated.
This remark follows heightened tensions between India and Malaysia after former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed criticised India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
However, Anwar Ibrahim did voice concerns about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in India. “Just as India has the right to raise questions about Malaysia, we also have the right to express concerns over the situation of religious and ethnic minorities,” he remarked.
During his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ibrahim extended an invitation to Modi for the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next year, which PM Modi accepted.
At the meeting, India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed eight agreements.
Addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, Ibrahim acknowledged the challenges it poses for Malaysia. “We must protect them, but accommodating 200,000 refugees in Malaysia is creating difficulties,” he said.
Malaysia has become a favoured destination for Rohingya refugees escaping persecution in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Although Malaysia does not grant official refugee status, the country currently hosts over 180,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with thousands more residing there illegally after arriving by sea.
