Extradite Zakir Naik for Investigations in India

GOPIO calls on Malaysian authorities to extradite Zakir Naik to India, to assist with investigations there. India has issued a warrant for the arrest of Zakir Naik, after several summons were ignored. India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought Interpol’s help to issue a Red Notice (equivalent to an international arrest warrant) to question Naik on alleged money-laundering activities in India.

Zakir Naik is a controversial televangelist and the founder of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Peace TV Channel. He is an Indian citizen, claimed to be an authority in comparative religions. Zakir Naik is believed to have fled India, traveling to other countries to defy investigations and possible arrest. He is currently wanted by authorities in India for money laundering. In a recent development, a close aide of Zakir Naik was arrested in India on charges of money laundering.

After Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation was banned, the National Investigating Agency of India registered a case against the televangelist and his organisation for inciting Muslims to engage in violence and for promoting enmity among groups based on religion and race. Police accused him of giving speeches that spread communal unrest.

Naik is already banned from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Bangladesh for various reasons, including instigating violence and terrorism. He has been linked as an inspiration to the Dhaka Terror attack in July 2016, where 22 people were killed. GOPIO observes that Zakir Naik has met several Malaysian leaders and is also endorsed by some NGOs here.

In India, cases have been registered against Naik for his controversial remarks against Hindu gods. Zakir Naik has conducted several talks in Malaysia, where he soupçons on other religions and conducts religious conversions. Many Indian and Hindu organizations in Malaysia have strongly protested to his presence and activities here as Zakir Naik is seen as a menace to national unity and harmony in the country. Malaysians from all walks of life have called for a stop to Zakir Naik’s activities and talks in the country.

GOPIO urges the Malaysian authorities to extradite Zakir Naik. Malaysia must not be seen as a safe haven for offenders and fugitives. Further, Naik has been brewing disharmony  which is totally unhealthy in a multiracial and multi religious environment of our beloved country. GOPIO is also surprised with the recent announcement of Permanent Resident status for Zakir Naik, purportedly issued 5 years ago. GOPIO urged the government to withdraw the PR status immediately based on the current information of Zakir Naik’s harmful activities and speeches.

Shashiedharan Chandrasegaran,

Chairman,

GOPIO Malaysia Information Bureau