Published: 12:10 AM, 13 September 2026
Zakir Naik extradition discussed in India talks: Malaysia PM tells NDTV
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the extradition of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was raised during talks in New Delhi, NDTV reports.
Ibrahim, who is in India for the BRICS Summit, met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral talks on Saturday and said the two sides had discussed the issue privately.
"In private discussions, of course, these engagements continue," Ibrahim told NDTV.
"We thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations. But we, of course, put it on the priority list for building trust and relationship between our countries," he added.
On the extradition issue, Ibrahim said Malaysia needs to ensure the rule of law.
"We have some understanding of it (extradition demand) but we need to do it very cautiously," he said. "Respect the rule of law and the importance of these bilateral relations."
Zakir Naik, a controversial Indian Islamic preacher, lives in Malaysia as a permanent resident while remaining wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech, as per NDTV.
He moved to Malaysia in 2016 after Indian authorities began investigations against him and his network, including the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV.
Naik was later granted permanent residency.
India has formally requested his extradition, but Malaysia has maintained that it will cooperate only through established legal channels if concrete and credible evidence is provided.
Interpol has previously declined to issue a Red Notice against Naik, citing a lack of sufficient evidence, outlet said.
Naik has also been "a source of embarrassment" for Malaysia.
In 2019, he faced widespread public and political backlash after making racially sensitive remarks concerning ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities.
He later apologised to Malaysians for the remarks, while Malaysian authorities briefly barred him from public speaking across several states, NDTV said.
