We won’t deport Zakir Naik as long as he keeps quiet, says Anwar

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said so long as controversial preacher Zakir Naik did not create issues, he would let the matter of extradition rest.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he is not willing to consider extraditing Zakir Naik to India as long as the controversial preacher avoids causing trouble.

He said Zakir, who travelled abroad and returned to Malaysia occasionally, had not been active recently and had not made any statement against either India or Malaysia.

We do appreciate the concern, but I think as long as Zakir does not create issues between Malaysia and India and the security of the nation, we will let the matter rest,

 he said in an interview with India Today Global shared on its YouTube account.

The interview was held during Anwar’s official visit to India from Aug 19-21.

Zakir is wanted by the Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speech.

Anwar said Malaysia might consider India’s request to extradite the controversial preacher should New Delhi provide more evidence.

Of course, we must respect the rule of law and will not condone any sort of transgression,

 he said.

On another note, Anwar said India’s prime minister Narendra Modi and foreign minister S Jaishankar had said New Delhi would reciprocate Malaysia’s visa-free entry arrangement for Indian nationals to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.

India is a beautiful country and Malaysia has a lot to show too. We welcome, of course, ethnic Indians and Malaysians who are very keen to see Indian culture and arts, Bollywood and beyond,

 he said.

Anwar said tourism from India was growing exponentially following the introduction of visa-free entry for Indian citizens for stays of up to 30 days, effective from Dec 1, 2023 until Dec 31, 2024. - FMT