Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on the issue of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik that his country will take action if evidence is found. He said this in response to a question about Zakir Naik’s extradition at a program after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Anwar Ibrahim said, if evidence is provided, terrorism will never be forgiven. India-Malaysia bilateral relations will not be stopped from strengthening because of one case.
Earlier, in the meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Malaysia on Tuesday, there was talk of fighting unitedly against terrorism and extremist elements. However, the Ministry of External Affairs did not confirm that there was a clear discussion on the issue of Zakir Naik.
Zakir Naik is accused of money laundering and spreading radicalism and the NIA is investigating him. He went to Malaysia in 2016 and did not return. India is continuously demanding his extradition. India also has an extradition treaty with Malaysia. There was speculation about the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister that the Indian government would strongly raise this matter, but this issue is not included even in the joint statement.
Experts believe that India’s focus is on strengthening relations with Malaysia. In fact, when Mahathir was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, he had made adverse comments on Article 370 and CAA, after which relations became bitter. India had also banned the import of palm oil. Now Mahathir’s government has changed and efforts are being made from both sides to strengthen relations. Talks are going on at the consular level on the issue of Zakir Naik.
