PAS has demanded clarification on whether Malaysia made any political commitment to India over the extradition of international preacher Dr Zakir Naik, after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the issue was discussed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi recently.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the government should disclose what was discussed and whether any understanding was reached during the meeting.
“Government also needs to explain whether the evidence and documentation submitted by India to support the request meet the requirements set by Malaysian law for extradition.
“PAS also demands an explanation on whether Malaysia made any political commitment, explicitly or otherwise, regarding the extradition of Dr Zakir Naik,” he said in a statement today.
Takiyuddin said Zakir had been a permanent resident of Malaysia since 2012, with the status officially confirmed by the Home Minister at the time in April 2017.
He said PAS recognised Malaysia’s longstanding bilateral ties with India in trade, investment, education, technology and other strategic sectors.
However, he said, those relations could not override the legal requirements governing extradition.
“Malaysia should give due consideration to any valid extradition request from any foreign country according to the legal process, rather than based on political transactions or bargaining.
“Therefore, PAS views seriously the possibility of Dr Zakir Naik becoming a political casualty 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 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 interests of another,” he said. - September 14, 2026