What if Jho Low hides in India, Ramasamy asks Dr M

As the debate over the status of controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik continues to rage, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy roped in fugitive businessperson Jho Low to drive home the point that extradition treaties must be respected.

“What If Jho Low hides in India?

“I am sure the Malaysian government would want India to respect the extradition treaty between the two countries,” he told Malaysiakini.

Malaysian authorities are seeking to question the Penang-born Jho Low, who is believed to be in Macau, over the 1MDB scandal.

Ramasamy also cited how Indonesian authorities had detained Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos and deported him back to Malaysia.

The DAP leader was responding to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remark that Putrajaya would not bow to pressure to deport the preacher from India.

Let the court decide

Emphasising the need to follow due process, Ramasamy said the prime minister should let the courts decide if Zakir should be sent back to the country.

“The prime minister can have his say, but let the courts decide.

“Nobody is pressuring the prime minister, but he should be aware of the serious allegations against Zakir, including in relation to the 2016 terrorist attack in Dhaka.

“You are not sending Zakir to prison in India, you are sending him to face trial. The Indian courts are superior and would guarantee a fair trial,” he added.

Ramasamy also urged Mahathir to find out the reason behind the previous government's swift granting of Malaysian permanent resident status for Zakir.

“I am sure he (Mahathir) is aware of the hate speeches. He (Zakir) was destroying the relationship between Malaysians of different ethnicities.

“It is fine if Zakir wants to champion Islam, but he cannot belittle other faiths and label them as inferior to Islam,” he added.

'Dr M not the sole person in Harapan'

Ramasamy said he respected the prime minister, but at the same time pointed out that Malaysians are harbouring great hope for Malaysia after Pakatan Harapan won in the May 9 general election.

“This government has a mandate from the people to undo the damages done by BN and Umno, and one of the damages is giving permanent resident status to Zakir

“I am concerned about the Harapan government's image. Mahathir may be PM, but he is not the sole person in Harapan, we fought hard for this victory,” he added.

Responding to a question, Ramasamy said he was informed that Zakir's status would be raised during tomorrow's cabinet meeting.

Zakir had denied the allegations against him while his supporters claim that he could be subjected to an unfair trial and imprisoned in India if deported.

This afternoon, Mahathir said Putrajaya is not obliged to follow the will of others.

“We have to identify the reasons we respond to any pressure, whether or not he (Zakir) had adhered to the laws.

“Or else, someone will become a victim." - Mkini