Is Malaysia handing over Zakir Naik to India?

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly said that Malaysia would consider India’s request to extradite Dr. Zakir Naik if sufficient evidence of the controversial televangelist’s involvement in extremism is provided.

During an official visit to India, Anwar was quoted by the Uttar Pradesh-based publication India Today as saying that while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier raised the issue, it had not been discussed recently. Speaking at an interactive session at the Indian Council of World Affairs, Anwar said, “The issue is not just about one individual, but about the sentiment of extremism, and the need for compelling evidence that suggests any atrocities committed by an individual, group, faction, or party.”

PM Anwar: Malaysia open to show fugitive Zakir Naik the door, but wants evidence of extremism from India — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) meets his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during the official visit. — Bernama pic

He emphasized, “We will not condone terrorism. We have been strict in our stance and have worked closely with India on many issues related to terrorism. However, I don’t believe this one case should hinder our ongoing collaboration and the strengthening of our bilateral ties.”

Who is Dr. Zakir Naik?

Dr. Zakir Naik is an Islamic preacher who heads Peace TV and the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). Peace TV, based in Dubai, has been banned in India but has millions of viewers worldwide. Naik, who also holds a medical degree, is known for his public appearances where he often wears a suit and skullcap. He gained prominence in the 1990s through his religious preaching.

Malaysia Can't Decide if Zakir Naik Is a Preacher or a Terrorist – Foreign Policy — Islamic Research Foundation President Zakir Naik delivers a speech at a conference in Istanbul on March 23, 2017. (Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Why is Dr. Zakir Naik living in Malaysia?

Dr. Zakir Naik fled India after being accused of delivering hate speeches and engaging in money laundering following a 2016 terrorist attack on a bakery in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which resulted in 29 deaths. Since then, he has evaded Indian authorities.

In June 2019, India’s Ministry of External Affairs formally requested Dr. Zakir’s extradition from Malaysia and indicated it would continue to pursue the matter. An Indian court also ordered Dr. Zakir to appear before it in June 2019. Currently, he is believed to be residing in Putrajaya, Malaysia, where he has been granted asylum since 2018.