POLICE are keeping tabs on developments in the case of controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik, said Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, as India is expected to officially request for his extradition soon.

He said police were aware of Zakir’s whereabouts in the country and would take the necessary action if the fugitive Indian preacher breaks the law.

“At the moment we haven’t received official request to extradite him but we are monitoring the situation. 

“We can’t extradite him without an official request. We are monitoring his actions and movements for anything that could affect security and public order. 

“We know roughly (his whereabouts) because he is an interesting personality who attracts a lot of attention,” he said in a press conference after visiting the Special Action Force (UTK) training centre in Cheras today. 

On November 8, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Zakir would be deported back home if the Indian government were to request for his extradition. 

He also said Zakir had not flouted any local laws, and had not committed any crime in Malaysia. He also reiterated his denial that Zakir had submitted an application for Malaysian citizenship.

DNAIndia.com reported yesterday that the legal and consultation process within different ministries to prepare the extradition request was “nearing completion”, and an official request would soon be made to the Malaysian government. 

Zakir, a 52-year-old medical doctor, has stirred controversy with his extreme brand of Islam, in which he had recommended the death penalty for homosexuals and those who abandon Islam, according to media reports.

He is also said to be banned in the UK.

Last month, Zahid dismissed allegations that the Malaysian government was giving the Muslim televangelist, who obtained his permanent residency five years ago, preferential treatment.

India’s counter-terrorism agency had prepared charges against Zakir, saying he has been “promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India through public speeches and lectures”. – November 11, 2017.