PAS warns Zakir Naik must not become ‘political victim’ in Malaysia

PAS urges the government to uphold legal process and national sovereignty regarding India’s extradition request for preacher Dr Zakir Naik.

PETALING JAYA: PAS has expressed concern that controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik could become a “political victim” as Malaysia seeks to strengthen ties with India, following reports that his extradition was raised during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said while strong bilateral relations were important, legal principles and due process must be upheld when dealing with diplomatic pressure or potential gains.

“One must not be sacrificed for another,” he said in a statement today.

“Therefore, PAS records its serious concern about the possibility of Dr Zakir Naik becoming a political victim or a diplomatic concession in Malaysia’s efforts to demonstrate friendship or win India’s trust if the legal issues above are not complied with and their principles are not respected as they should be.”

Takiyuddin urged the government to clarify the legal and diplomatic status of any extradition request, including what was discussed and what understanding was reached during Anwar’s meeting with Modi.

He also called for clarification on whether the evidence and documentation supporting India’s request had fulfilled the requirements under Malaysian law, and whether Malaysia had made any political commitment, explicitly or otherwise, regarding Zakir’s extradition.

Zakir has been a permanent resident of Malaysia since 2012, with his status officially confirmed by then Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in April 2017.

India subsequently submitted a formal request for his extradition to Malaysia in January 2018.

While acknowledging the longstanding bilateral ties between Malaysia and India in areas including trade, investment, education and technology, Takiyuddin said such relations could not override laws governing the extradition process.

“Malaysia should give due consideration to any valid extradition request from any foreign country in accordance with the legal process, not as a political transaction or bargaining,” he said.

He said the matter went beyond Malaysia-India relations and was also a test of whether Malaysia would uphold its own principles and laws when faced with diplomatic pressure or potential gains.

“Good relations with any country are important, but national sovereignty and the integrity of its justice system are more important and must be defended,” he said.