Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia receives no fresh extradition request for preacher Zakir Naik
The Home Ministry has confirmed that no new extradition request has been received for controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik from India. Malaysia previously decided against extraditing the fugitive cleric despite international pressure.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has not received any fresh extradition request for Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, the Home Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, reaffirming the government's previous position on the contentious matter.
The statement comes amid ongoing debate over the preacher's status in the country. Dr Zakir Naik, an Indian national wanted by New Delhi on charges of money laundering and inciting communal disharmony, has resided in Malaysia since 2017 after leaving India.
The Malaysian government had previously determined that extraditing the preacher to India would not be in the national interest, citing concerns over his safety and potential political implications. That decision has remained unchanged, officials indicated.
Dr Zakir Naik's presence in Malaysia has been a periodic flashpoint in bilateral relations between Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi, with Indian authorities repeatedly calling for his return. However, Malaysia has maintained its stance, emphasizing its independent assessment of the case and its commitment to due process.