Zakir Naik will not be deported, says Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohammed

In a setback to Indian agencies, Malaysia has said that controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will not be deported to India as long as he does not cause any problem there.

None other than Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed made this clear in no uncertain terms.

"As long as he is not creating any problem, we will not deport him because he has been given permanent resident status," he said during a press conference in the city of Putrajaya, just south to capital Kuala Lumpur.

According to reports in Indian media, New Delhi asked for him to be extradited in January. The two countries have an extradition treaty.

Ministry of External Affairs said yesterday that Indian High Commissioner was in touch with Malaysian authorities about his extradition.

The reports say India had asked for Naik to be sent back for allegedly inciting youth to engage in terror activities via his hate speeches.

On Wednesday, Zakir Naik dismissed



reports that said he would return to India from Malaysia.

"The news of my coming to India is baseless and totally false," said Naik, who faces a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

"I have no plans to come to India till I [feel] safe from unfair prosecution. God willing, when I feel that the Indian government will be just and fair, I will surely return to my homeland," he had said.

Naik is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The offences registered against Naik are under section 153 (a) of the Indian Penal Code -- for promoting enmity among different religions -- and under sections 10, 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act -- for being a member of an unlawful association, abetting an unlawful activity and criminal conspiracy.

On June 20, the Bombay High Court refused to grant Naik relief, observing that he didn't show any interest or desire to help investigating agencies.