Why pick a fight with India over Zakir Naik?

Updated 7 years ago · Published on 11 Jun 2019 4:28PM · 12 Comments

JUST as the euphoric support for Dr Mahathir Mohamad grows with his dogmatic decision on Latheefa Koya’s appointment, we see the other side of the prime minister’s didactic thoughts on the Zakir Naik issue.

This is the downside of Malaysian politics, especially when there are those out to milk political mileage from religious controversies.

The decision not to comply with India’s extradition request, which is procedurally sound, erodes the trust and confidence of all those who invested in the promise that the rule of law will reign supreme in the “New Malaysia”.

On one side, we insist on the supremacy of our rule of law, and we want the whole world to respect it. On the other, we are seen to be non-compliant when the shoe is on the other foot!

There are actually no similarities to Sirul Azhar Umar’s case, to refer to it as a basis of comparison. It is totally distinguishable. In short, Sirul exhausted all legal avenues within our criminal justice system and sought refuge in another country, whereas Zakir has not been put through any criminal proceedings whether in his home country of India or here!

So, why pick a fight with India and its criminal justice system? The argument on Sirul with Australia should not be linked to India and Zakir, as there is no nexus whatsoever!

The call to return to the rule of law, made in the early hours following Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the general election last year, needs to be addressed, emphasised and revisited again. It has to be applied in the strictest understanding of our laws, complemented with natural justice. This transcends the land and beyond.

It is with great urgency that reforms to the role and powers of the prime minister be hastened. They must be more accountable to parliamentary procedures, linked closely to the rule of law.

There cannot be personal interpretations by those in the corridors of power. The fluctuation of decisions or choices made by any leader must always be in tandem with the laws of the land. Respect for the rule of law in other countries will also put us in good stead on the global platform.

Only then can we demand that others respect our sovereignty when it comes to our international interests in the future.

In Zakir’s case, is it too much to ask to send him back as a citizen of India, and allow the law of that land to take its course? – June 11, 2019.

* G.Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Why are you so eager to send Zakir back to India?

    Posted 7 years ago by Ahmad pauzi md yusof · Reply

    • Didn't you know that he was a fugitive and had laundered millions of ringgit besides illegally buying property all over dubai and other Arab nations. His disciple was caught in Bombay terrorist attack killing many innocent people. His closest friend has been arrested and had been testified of all Zakir Naik illegal activities in India. Why did Bangladesh and many other countries also banned his entry? WHY? Do you think they are just playing fun at Zakir? Would you like keep a terrorist in your backyard? Reason out lah kawan!

      Posted 7 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

    • Well said swaminaidu

      Posted 7 years ago by Gabriel Chelliah · Reply

    • Thanks Gabriel. I hope those who have the youtube links on this fugitive to release them now. I saw on recently of his hatred speech on other religions. I did not copy the link to release now as it is the time to come out with all these links ton Zakir and his activities for the muslims and others to know in Malaysia.

      Posted 7 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

  • Mahathir is making a fool of himself over this ZAkir issue. The comparison is utterly flawed. Respect the laws of that country before you ask others to respect the laws of our country. This is a mockery of Mahathir who has begun to rule the country for the second time but his statements lately have been eroding his much desired respect. Mahathir is stubborn for wrong reason.

    Posted 7 years ago by Swaminaidu Venkatasamy · Reply

  • Tell India to get us Jho Low and our monies. We'll send zakir via business class.

    Posted 7 years ago by Luke Skywalker · Reply

  • There is no sensible reason for Mahathir to protect Zakir Naik other than that he is a Muslim and so he must be protected. Will Malaysia then drop its attempts to extradite Joho Low (if and when he is found and apprehended) because Jho Low has been complaining that he will not get a fair trial in Malaysia? Don't let the world see Malaysia as a country that does not respect international laws when religion comes in between.

    Posted 7 years ago by Ravinder Singh · Reply

  • This time Mahatir has taken more than he can chew on Zakir Naik extradition. It is too late when shit happens and sorry is not enough.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • Zahid will know better of Zakir bcos PR was given while he was home minister.

    Posted 7 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • We charged MO1, a Malaysian citizen, for money laundering.
    We will charge Jho Low, a Malaysian citizen, for money laundering.
    We extradite Roger Ng, a Malaysian citizen, to the US to face charges of money laundering.

    BUT.......!!!!

    We PROTECT Zakir Naik, a citizen of India, from extradition to India to face charges of money laundering ....

    Does an Indian citizen has MORE rights than a Malaysian citizen here in Malaysia???

    (ie. if we can extradite Roger Ng, why can't we extradite Zakir Naik, and moreover Roger Ng is a Malaysian citizen!!!)

    Posted 7 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

    • https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/24/exgoldman-banker-roger-ng-unlikely-to-get-plea-deal-in-1mdb-case/

      Posted 7 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • It seems to me that the rule of law stressed constantly by Dr. M and the PH government has got two standards or interpretations? If Jho Low were to know this latest development concerning Indias extradition request of Zakir Naik, and Malaysia government's refusal to extradite the latter to India, I suggest the Indian government should offer a good hiding place for Jho Low; and in the event Malaysia were to ask for extradition of Jho Low then the Indian government can ask for an exchange of these two fugitives? A win-win situation and a test of rule of law, perhaps?

    Posted 7 years ago by Villaggio Doha · Reply