Dr M Says Modi Didn't Ask For Zakir Naik's Return But Indian News Reports Claim Otherwise

Dr Mahathir said Modi did not ask for Zakir to be extradited when they met during his three-day working visit to Russia for the 5th Eastern Economic Forum 2019 earlier this month.

Speaking on BFM's 'The Breakfast Grille' this morning, Dr Mahathir said not many countries want the controversial preacher.

"I met with Modi. He didn't ask me for this man," said the 94-year-old premier, as quoted by Malay Mail.

"Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik's extradition," said India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, as reported by Times of India and FMT.

"Both the parties have decided that our officials will stay in contact regarding the matter and it is an important issue for us." 

According to Business Standard, India had made a formal request to Malaysia for Zakir's extradition. He is wanted in India on money laundering and hate speech charges.

India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on 12 June that the fairness of Indian justice system "has never been in question" after Dr Mahathir claimed that Naik might not get a fair trial there.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia "has a right not to extradite" Zakir, Business Standard reported.

Despite the discrepancy between the Indian media and Dr Mahathir's claim today, the premier reaffirmed that Zakir will not be allowed to conduct any public speeches after the latter accused Malaysian Indians of being more loyal to Modi and labelled Malaysian Chinese as "old guests".

"Well, he's not a national of this country. He has been given, I think by the previous government, permanent residence status," Dr Mahathir said.

"A permanent resident isn't supposed to make any comments on this country's systems and politics. He has breached that. He is now not allowed to speak.

"We are trying to find some place he can go to but at the moment, no one wants to accept him."