Zakir Naik’s Malaysia Stay To End Soon? Senior Malaysian Leader Anwar Ibrahim Assures Cooperation On Extradition

India’s continued attempts to extradite fundamentalist preacher Zakir Naik from Malaysia with a view to prosecute him for charges ranging from promoting terrorism and money laundering, may finally have a breakthrough.

The former deputy prime minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim has stated that the new government in his country would be willing to scrutinise the case and cooperate with New Delhi, but would require concrete evidence to take the matter further, reports India Today.

Ibrahim, whose coalition Pakatan Harapan came to power after winning last year’s general election, is the likely successor of current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He is currently in New Delhi to participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

“I believe we are prepared to scrutinise and study every aspect of the case. Our position against terrorism and terrorist cells is very clear. We strongly support every counterterrorism effort. Having said that, we will have to abide by known international decorum and ensure that once you have a compelling case, you will have to adduce some evidence. We cannot agree based on what is alleged,” he stated.

He further explained that the arrangements Naik had in the country were part of a relationship with the previous government, but the new government had concluded that his activities needed to be subdued or controlled.

He added that he would continue policies undertaken under Mahathir’s leadership once he took over, “First, a strong position against terrorism. But also not using terrorist laws against dissidents and political activists. I would certainly welcome engagement with Indian authorities. If they produce evidence to support their argument, I will not compromise.”

Ibrahim also talked about his previous meeting with Indian politicians, and was now looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.