'Don't let one case harm ties': Malaysia PM on India's extradition request for Dr Zakir Naik

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that Putrajaya might consider extraditing controversial Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik if India provides sufficient evidence of the scholar's links with extremism.

Speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs earlier this week, Ibrahim said that this issue should not hinder the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

He noted that India did not raise the matter during Tuesday's discussions.

Naik, who left India in 2016, is sought by Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism.

He was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous administration under Mahathir Mohamad. His potential extradition to India remains a contentious issue between Putrajaya and New Delhi.

In June 2019, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian government had formally requested Malaysia to extradite Dr. Zakir and would continue to pursue the matter. Additionally, a court in India had ordered him to appear there in June 2019.

Ibrahim stated that while the issue was previously brought up by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was not a topic of discussion in the recent talks.

He added that Malaysia is open to reviewing any evidence related to the case.