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Mahathirs public remarks on Naik a jolt for India


Date:- 07 Jul 2018


Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad poured cold water over India’s expectations of getting controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik extradited, saying the cleric had a permanent resident status and would not be deported as long as he does not create any problems.

Mahathir’s put-down, a day after the ministry of external affairs said India’s request for Naik’s extradition was under “active consideration”, came across as a snub, though officials said media speculation of the preacher’s impending extradition was inaccurate. There is no indication of Malaysia moving on India’s request yet.

“As long as he is not creating any problem, we will not deport him because he has been given permanent residency status,” Mahathir said at a press meet. It is unusual for the head of a government to come forward in defence of someone who is “wanted” in a friendly country, and the Malaysian PM’s stepping out for Naik was being attributed to the influence the hardline cleric enjoys among sections of Muslim communities overseas. PM Mahathir Mohamad (left) & controversial cleric Zakir Naik  Mahathir’s public remarks on Naik a jolt for India

India had apparently asked for Naik’s extradition in January under a bilateral treaty. Naik, 52, has said he has no plans to return to India until he feels “safe from unfair prosecution”.

Naik has been chargesheeted by the National Investigation Agency for radicalising youths for terror activities, and his organisation, Islamic Research Foundation, has been banned. Mahathir’s public remarks are a setback for Indian efforts. “At this stage, our request is under active consideration of the Malaysian side. Our high commission in Kuala Lumpur is in regular touch with the relevant Malaysian authorities in this regard,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said.

Courtesy: Times News Network: 07072018