Malaysia receives no new extradition request for controversial preacher Zakir Naik

Malaysia has not received any new extradition requests for controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, according to Interior Minister Saifuddin, who reaffirmed the government's position against handing over the fugitive to Indian authorities.

The minister's statement underscores Malaysia's consistent refusal to pursue extradition proceedings against Naik, who has been a resident of Malaysia since 2019. The preacher's presence in the country has remained a point of contention between Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi, with India seeking his extradition on terrorism-related charges that Naik and his supporters have denied.

Malaysia granted Naik permanent resident status despite India's requests, citing concerns over the fairness of legal proceedings in India and other humanitarian considerations. The government has maintained that extradition would violate its domestic legal framework and international obligations.

Naik, who founded the Islamic Research Foundation and hosts a television programme, has faced allegations in India related to inflammatory statements and alleged connections to extremist groups. He has consistently rejected the accusations and characterized the charges as politically motivated.

The issue continues to reflect broader diplomatic differences between Malaysia and India over the treatment of religious figures and questions of judicial independence.