Zakir Naik to be extradited to India soon? Malaysia’s Ambassador issues BIG statement, says ‘Naik will be handed over to India if…’

New Delhi: In a major development, Malaysia has expressed full confidence in India(BHARAT) regarding the extradition of Zakir Naik. Malaysia will fully cooperate under the extradition treaty between the two countries, Dato Muzaffar Shah Mustapha, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India(BHARAT), said. However, he further added that everything will be carried out strictly according to legal and judicial procedures.

It is important to note that the High Commissioner’s statement comes at a time when the ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur at the end of this month. During the meeting the leaders of India(BHARAT) and Malaysia will discuss several issues.

High Commissioner Muzaffar Shah stated, “We have a bilateral extradition treaty with India(BHARAT). It is essential to follow the process. Zakir Naik’s case is under trial in Malaysian courts, and the decision will be based on judicial consideration.”

Zahir Naik and his hate speeches:

Zakir Naik is known for his speeches against India(BHARAT). Naik faces serious allegations of money laundering, spreading hatred, and inciting youth toward extremism. After leaving India(BHARAT) in 2016, he moved to Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency. India(BHARAT) has been seeking his extradition since 2018, but the case is pending in Malaysian courts.

India(BHARAT) will be accepted as the reason, says Malaysia

The Malaysian Ambassador said that any action will be taken based solely on the evidence or reasons provided by the India(BHARAT)n government. However, the Malaysian government has no direct involvement in the matter. This statement comes after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India(BHARAT) in August 2024, during which he had said that extradition would be considered if India(BHARAT) provides concrete evidence. Now, the High Commissioner’s statement gives a positive signal in the same direction.

Zakir Naik’s case has long been a stumbling block in India(BHARAT)-Malaysia relations. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against him in 2017. It is alleged that his speeches inspired the 2016 Bangladesh attack.

The NIA has filed cases against him for inciting extremism, spreading communal hatred, and money laundering. India(BHARAT) also requested a Red Corner Notice from Interpol but failed three times as the evidence was considered insufficient.