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Indian media outlet records controversial preacher in Malaysia capital

A media organisation aligned with India's ruling party conducted an undercover operation involving Islamic preacher Zakir Naik during an event in Putrajaya. It remains unclear whether Naik was aware he was being recorded.

LSN Malaysia · 22 October 2026

Indian media outlet records controversial preacher in Malaysia capital

An Indian media outlet with known sympathies toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has conducted a sting operation involving Islamic preacher Zakir Naik at a gathering in Malaysia's federal capital. The operation targeted Naik, who has been a polarising figure across South Asia due to his controversial statements on religion and politics. The specifics of what was recorded and the preacher's awareness of the recording have not been fully clarified. Naik, who has faced legal scrutiny in multiple countries, has been based in Malaysia since 2019 after leaving India. He has been granted permanent residency status by Malaysian authorities, despite objections from certain quarters. The sting operation underscores the continued international interest in monitoring Naik's activities and statements. The incident also highlights the intersection of media operations across borders and the contentious nature of religious discourse in the region.