KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia– Malaysia will not act on India’s request to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik until the country’s courts conclude ongoing proceedings, Malaysian High Commissioner to India Dato’ Muzaffar Shah Mustafa said ahead of the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
“We have a bilateral extradition treaty with India, and there is a process that must be followed,” Mustafa told IANS. “Zakir Naik’s case is currently undergoing legal proceedings. It is under the supervision of a Malaysian court and will be resolved based on judicial consideration. Based on the justification provided by the Indian government, there is no reason to extradite Zakir Naik. This matter has nothing to do with the Malaysian government.”
Naik, a Mumbai-born televangelist facing money-laundering and hate-speech charges in India, has lived in Malaysia since 2016, where he holds permanent residency. New Delhi has repeatedly sought his extradition, but Kuala Lumpur has cited legal and procedural hurdles.
Discussing Malaysia–India relations, Mustafa said both countries share a “long-standing historical and cultural bond,” further strengthened by the recent visit of Malaysia’s prime minister to India. “Our relations are progressing very well,” he said. “The visit marked another milestone in strengthening our bilateral relations, reflected in the elevation of our partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
As Malaysia prepares to host the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month, Mustafa said inclusiveness and sustainability will be central to discussions. “Malaysia currently holds the Chair of ASEAN, and we attach great importance to our Chairmanship,” he said. “We look forward to the gathering of leaders from ASEAN member states, including India, in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the future.”
He added that Malaysia looks forward to welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the summit, scheduled for October 26–27. Invitations have also been extended to all ASEAN dialogue partners, including the United States. (Source: IANS)
