The Indian law enforcement agency says it will not 'go by what Malaysian authorities say to the media on this'.
Controversial Indian Muslim preacher Zakir Naik. India’s ED says it has a case against him and needs to question him on allegations against him. (Reuters pic)
PETALING JAYA: India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) is reportedly looking to extradite Zakir Naik despite Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement last week that the federal government would not deport the controversial preacher without cause.
Sources from the ED told the Asian Age that the law enforcement agency, which is investigating Naik for money laundering, would not “go by what Malaysian authorities say to the media on this”.
“The ED has a case against him and needs to question him with regard to the allegations against him.
“We will soon move an extradition request for him that will have to be acted upon by their authorities and courts, on merit,” an official was reported as saying.
Last Friday, Mahathir said Putrajaya would not deport Naik unless he causes trouble, as he had been granted permanent resident status in Malaysia.
The prime minister’s remark came amid intense speculation in India that the Malaysian government would act on an extradition request made in January.
Naik is wanted by Indian authorities over allegations of money laundering and spreading terrorism.
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was home minister at the time, said last year that Malaysia would fulfil any request made by India and deport Naik if an application on the basis of mutual legal assistance was made. -FMT
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