Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in his second day of his Russia visit and today on Thursday he met his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir bin Mohamad. At that meet he raised the issue of extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is also wanted in India for fuelling radicalism.
LIve Updates: PM Modi Meets Malaysian PM
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale whike addressing a press briefing, said: “Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik’s extradition. Both the parties have decided that our officials will stay in contact regarding the matter and it is an important issue for us.”
The 53-year-old controversial Islamic preacher is wanted in India for fuelling extremism as well as he is a controversial figure who labelled the 9/11 terror attacks an “inside job”. Three years ago he fled from there and moved to Malaysia, where he was given the permanent residency.
After his remark against Malaysian Hindus, Naik has been banned from delivering any public speeches anyplace in Malaysia. After that, being under much pressure, he also apologised for his remark but contended that he was not a racist.
He said his critics had taken his comments out of context and added “strange fabrications to them”. “It was never my intention to upset any individual or community,” he said on Tuesday in his statement.
“It is against the basic tenets of Islam, and I would like to convey my heartfelt apologies for this misunderstanding,” Naik said.
Raises Issue of Zakir Naik’s Extradition
Mahathir also reacted to Naik’s controversial comments, and said it was “quite clear” that Naik wanted to take part in racial politics. “He is stirring up racial feelings. The police will have to investigate whether it is causing tension; obviously, it is,” he said.
Mahathir further added his statement and said that as a permanent resident, Naik was not permitted to participate in politics. “You can preach (religiously). But he wasn’t doing that,” he said. “He was talking about Chinese going back to China and Indians going back to India. I have never said such things. But he did. That is politics,” he added.
PM Modi met the Malaysian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the fifth meeting of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) which is going on in the Russian Far East Region.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet, “Meetings continue in Vladivostok. Prime Ministers @chedetofficial and Narendra Modi discuss ways to diversify India-Malaysia cooperation for the benefit of people in both countries. Strengthening ties with an important ASEAN partner,”
Today, PM Modi will be the chief guest of the Eastern Economic Forum that is being held at the Russian city of Vladivostok on September 5.
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