While Malaysia and India grapple over Zakir, Malaysian police warn him to behave

KUALA LUMPUR — Police have issued a stern warning to controversial preacher Zakir Naik to “behave” himself in Malaysia while Putrajaya and New Delhi are still grappling over his extradition to face criminal charges in India.

Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador told The Malaysian Insight the televangelist is subjected to Malaysian laws while he is here and police will be checking on him.

“We have warned him not to make controversial statements here and we will take action if he breaks our laws. I will not tolerate hate speeches.

“This goes for anybody. Not just for Zakir Naik,” Mr Hamid told The Malaysian Insight.

Mr Zakir has been living in Malaysia for the past few years and was even granted permanent resident status from the previous Barisan Nasional administration.

India, however, wants him extradited to answer multiple charges relating to terrorism and money-laundering.

On Wednesday, India’s External Affairs Ministry had put in a formal extradition request to Malaysia for the controversial preacher.

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar was quoted as saying they will continue to pursue the matter (regarding Mr Zakir) with Malaysia.

“The fairness of the Indian justice system has never been in question,” Mr Raveesh had said.

He was responding to Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had questioned if Mr Zakir would be treated fairly by the Indian authorities if he was sent back.

Mr Zakir has rejected all allegations against him and has expressed confidence that Malaysia will back him and oppose any effort by India to have him returned to his home country.

Mr Zakair had said he will return to India should the top court give him the assurance in writing that he will not be arrested. He expressed trust in the country’s judiciary, but not so much its prosecution system.

Mr Hamid told The Malaysian Insight that police do not have the authority to extradite Zakir, saying that was on Wisma Putra.

“We can’t do that. He can only be extradited if Putrajaya gives the nod. The police have no say on this matter.

“But as long as he is here, he will have to follow our laws,” Mr Hamid said.

Local media in India had reported that the country’s Enforcement Directorate is set to secure an arrest warrant against Mr Zakir and others in an ongoing trial heard by a special court in Mumbai under its Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

According to reports, the Mumbai court would decide whether a non-bailable warrant of arrest should be issued against Mr Zakir at its next hearing on June 19.

The Directorate will then request an Interpol red notice against the Indian-born preacher, as well as extradition from Malaysia after obtaining a non-bailable warrant from the court. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT