While Malaysia and India grapple over Zakir, police here warn him to behave

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 7 years ago · Published on 14 Jun 2019 11:00AM · 9 Comments

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador has warned controversial preacher Zakir Naik to not flout local laws while Malaysia and India and contending with his extradition. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, June 14, 2019.

POLICE have issued a stern warning to controversial preacher Zakir Naik to “behave” himself here while Putrajaya and New Delhi are still grappling over his extradition to face criminal charges in India.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador told The Malaysian Insight the televangelist is subjected to Malaysian laws while he is here and police will be checking on him.

“We have warned him not to make controversial statements here and we will take action if he breaks our laws. I will not tolerate hate speeches.

“This goes for anybody. Not just for Zakir Naik,” Hamid told The Malaysian Insight.

Zakir has been living in Malaysia for the past few years and was even granted permanent resident status from the previous Barisan Nasional administration.

India, however, wants him extradited to answer multiple charges relating to terrorism and money-laundering.

On Wednesday, India’s External Affairs Ministry had put in a formal extradition request to Malaysia for the controversial preacher.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar was quoted as saying they will continue to pursue the matter (regarding Zakir) with Malaysia.

“The fairness of the Indian justice system has never been in question,” Raveesh had said.

He was responding to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had questioned if Zakir would be treated fairly by the Indian authorities if he was sent back.

Zakir has rejected all allegations against him and has expressed confidence that Malaysia will back him and oppose any effort by India to have him returned to his home country.

Zakair had said he will return to India should the top court give him the assurance in writing that he will not be arrested. He expressed trust in the country’s judiciary, but not so much its prosecution system.

Hamid told The Malaysian Insight that police do not have the authority to extradite Zakir, saying that was on Wisma Putra.

“We can’t do that. He can only be extradited if Putrajaya gives the nod. The police have no say on this matter.

“But as long as he is here, he will have to follow our laws,” the IGP said.

Local media in India had reported that the country’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to secure an arrest warrant against Zakir and others in an ongoing trial heard by a special court in Mumbai under its Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

According to reports, the Mumbai court would decide whether a non-bailable warrant of arrest should be issued against Zakir at its next hearing on June 19.

The ED will then request an Interpol red notice against the Indian-born preacher, as well as extradition from Malaysia after obtaining a non-bailable warrant from the court. – June 14, 2019

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Comments

  • Good warning. Without fear or favors. That's the way. Enforce the law for peace in Malaysia

    Posted 7 years ago by Concerned Citizen · Reply

  • Since a clear and precise warning has been issued out thus if and when he crosses the line, we have your words Tuan IGP that PDRM would not hesitate for one moment to boot him out from this country right. So be it as we are watching this development with full interest and concern.

    Posted 7 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • Zakir has got a Phd in Hate speeches condemning and ridiculing other religions and their gods.There were also plenty of racial and religious hate speeches by UMNO and PAS during the Cameron,semenyih and Rantau Byelections.In Cameron they even politicised the death of Adib and blamed it on Indian Manoharan.The crooks and racist played victim for sympathy votes from the malays.

    Posted 7 years ago by Ron Gan · Reply

  • Please send this scum bag back to India to face justice

    Posted 7 years ago by Hemanth Kumar Arumugam · Reply

  • We are glad to have a sturdy guardian of peace and harmony. God bless our IGP!

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • zakir naik please be kind to malaysia which has given you a space to stay, dont be the cause for problems between india and malaysia. Pls go back to your mother land where you have every right to show your innocence as indian justice system is very evolved and highly regarded .
    Pls go back and dont abuse our hospitality till cause dispute over you with india

    Posted 7 years ago by Palanivel Sathasivam · Reply

  • If zakir naik is a TRUE MUSLIM DEDICATED TO PROPHET MUHAMMAD He shld go back to india n CLEAR HIS NAME . Time has come where he shld HONOUR ISLAMIC TEACHINGS Practically show the WORLD That he is INNOCENT by goin thru the TRIAL in his Birthplace.

    Posted 7 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply

  • I have faith in this IGP. It is Dr Mahathir whom I distrust on this issue.

    Posted 7 years ago by Simple Sulaiman · Reply

  • Have the several police reports against Zakir Naik been put in the cold room? Why is action not being taken on those reports?

    Posted 7 years ago by Ravinder Singh · Reply