The government has been urged to clarify the legal and diplomatic position surrounding India’s extradition request for international preacher Dr Zakir Naik to prevent him from becoming a “political victim”.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the clarification was necessary following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that the issue had been discussed during his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
He said the government should disclose details of what was discussed during the meeting and whether any understanding had been reached between the two sides.
“The government should also clarify whether the evidence and documentation submitted by India to support the extradition request meet the requirements under Malaysian law for extradition.
“PAS also demands clarification on whether Malaysia has made any political commitment, explicitly or otherwise, regarding the extradition of Dr Zakir Naik,” he said in a statement today.
Takiyuddin said Zakir has been a permanent resident of Malaysia since 2012, with his status officially confirmed by the then Home Minister in April 2017.
He acknowledged that Malaysia and India have long-standing bilateral ties covering trade, investment, education, technology and several other strategic sectors.
However, he stressed that strong relations between the two countries should not override the legal requirements and provisions governing the extradition process.
“Malaysia should give due consideration to any legitimate extradition request from a foreign country in accordance with the legal process, rather than based on political transactions or bargaining.
“Therefore, PAS views seriously the possibility of Dr Zakir Naik becoming a political victim or diplomatic concession in Malaysia’s efforts to demonstrate friendship or gain India’s trust if legal provisions are not complied with,” he said.
Takiyuddin said the issue was not merely about Malaysia-India relations but also represented a test of the country’s ability to uphold its principles and laws when faced with diplomatic pressure or interests.
“Good relations with any country are important, but national sovereignty and the integrity of the justice system are more important and must be defended.
“One matter cannot be sacrificed for the benefit of another,” he said.
