No New Extradition Request From India for Zakir Naik, Says Home Minister

Malaysia has received no new extradition request from India for preacher Zakir Naik, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in a written parliamentary reply to Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa).

He said the government received an extradition application on 19 January 2018, and that India sent a diplomatic note on 29 May 2020 asking Malaysia to reconsider its decision.

Malaysia Stands by Decision Not to Extradite Zakir Naik, Cites 2010 Treaty

Saifuddin said Malaysia decided not to extradite Zakir and has made no commitment to do so. He cited its rights under Article 6 of the 2010 extradition treaty with India and the Extradition Act 1992. Zakir was granted Malaysian permanent resident status in 2015.

He faces money laundering allegations in India, which he denies. India declared the Islamic Research Foundation he founded an unlawful organisation in 2016.

In 2018, then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad defended the decision, saying Zakir could stay as long as he caused no trouble.

In an NDTV interview aired on 12 September, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the issue was discussed privately with Indian representatives in New Delhi. He said confidentiality protects both countries’ interests, and that any action must consider the rule of law and bilateral ties.

Republic World reported on 21 October that Zakir said he would return to India only after the BJP is no longer in power, claiming he would not get a fair trial.