PUTRAJAYA today denied giving Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik special treatment, as alleged by certain parties.

The Home Ministry said Zakir had not flouted the law in Malaysia. 

On his permanent residency, the ministry said it was granted in accordance with the law based on the entry pass issued by the Immigration Department.

Zakir is wanted in India for suspected links to terrorism, and has repeatedly failed to obey the Indian authorities’ orders to present himself for questioning.

Last Thusday, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against Zakir for allegedly inciting youngsters to terror activities and giving hate speeches.

The 58-page charge sheet accuses Zakir of indulging in malicious actions and disturbing communal harmony.

He is also accused of diverting funds for anti-India activities.

Zakir in April told the media he would cooperate with the authorities only if the investigation was carried out on neutral ground.

“They can interview me on Skype or video conference but they said no, I need to return home. But why should I do that? If I go there they will torture me. They have done that to other Muslims. I’ve got proof,” said Zakir after an event in Kuala Lumpur six months ago.

He said NIA’s refusal to accept his proposal showed the authority had ulterior motives.

“Such a cowardly investigation, they have got no guts. If they want they can come here to talk, if you want face-to-face then come over to talk, come to the neutral ground,” said Zakir.

The Home Ministry in a statement today said the Malaysian government has yet to receive an official request from India for cooperation in its case against Zakir.

“Nevertheless, the government has always monitored Zakir’s activities in the country and will take action against him if he is found to be involved in terror activities,” said the statement.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia was ready to assist India in its terrorism investigation against the controversial Islamic preacher if it was asked to.

He said Malaysia would render assistance within the legal system framework that would also take into account the existing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“If India requests for our help, we will do give it. It is not a matter of surrendering him, but it is about the investigations (into alleged terrorism),” he told reporters after the launch of the Human Ecology International Conference 2017.

Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed Zakir was not a Malaysian citizen but was a permanent resident of more than five years.

The Home Ministry in today’s statement’ said Zakir had not applied for citizenship.

“Checks showed no record of requests forwarded to National Registration Department,” the statement said.

The Home Ministry’s statement is a written reply to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who had asked the home minister to state whether Zakir have been granted permanent residency or citizenship. She also asked why the Malaysian government was giving special treatment to a fugitive wanted for terror-related activities. – October 31, 2017.