SHAH ALAM: India has to present its case against Dr Zakir Naik before the government can decide on the action against the controversial Muslim preacher.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said any action taken against Dr Zakir, who is wanted by the Indian government for alleged money-laundering and terrorism, must be done according to the rule of law.
“This matter was raised in the Cabinet meeting yesterday and as far as we are concerned, India has stated that they have a case (against Dr Zakir).
“What is to be done is that India has to put forward its case. Of course, as the government, once the case has been presented, it has to be considered in making a decision on whether or not he (Dr Zakir) should be sent back.
“We have to follow the rule of law. (The Cabinet’s) position is that if there is a case by any other country against anyone, not just Dr Zakir, then the government should act accordingly,” he told reporters at the Pusat Mel Nasional, here, today.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had previously said Dr Zakir would not be handed over to Indian authorities as he had been granted a Malaysian permanent resident status.
The Prime Minister when responding to questions from the media on whether India’s extradition request for Dr Zakir would be met, had said that Malaysia would not give in easily to demands made by others to avoid anyone ending up being victimised.
Dr Mahathir also said that Malaysia would not deport Zakir “as long as he is not creating any problems” in the country.
Yesterday, Dr Zakir expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian government and Dr Mahathir for allowing him to remain here despite calls being made by many for him to be extradited to India.
He said the decision reaffirmed his faith in Malaysian justice and communal harmony, adding that this was testimony to the success of the multiracial diversity of the country.
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