KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is best to let the issue concerning the extradition of Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik rest for a while as long as he does not harm Malaysia-India relations.
He said Zakir, who travels abroad and returns to Malaysia occasionally, has remained inactive in the country and has not made any statements against either India or Malaysia.
“We do appreciate the concern expressed by some quarters here (in India), but I think as long as Zakir Naik does not create issues between Malaysia and India and the security of the nation, I think we let the matter rest,” he said in an interview with India Today Global shared on it’s YouTube account.
The interview was held during Anwar’s official visit to India from Aug 19 to 21.
According to media reports, Zakir has been wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches.
Anwar said Malaysia might consider India’s request to extradite the controversial preacher should the country provide more evidence.
“Of course, we must respect the rule of law and will not condone any sort of transgression,” he said.
