New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday confirmed that the extradition of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was discussed during his bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Speaking to NDTV in an exclusive interview, Ibrahim said the issue was raised during private discussions with Modi, while stressing that both sides had agreed to keep the matter confidential in order to protect the interests of India and Malaysia.
“In private discussions, of course, these engagements continue,” Ibrahim said when asked whether Naik's extradition figured in his meeting with Modi.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said the issue had been placed on the priority list as part of efforts to build greater trust and strengthen relations between the two countries.
“We thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations. But we, of course, put it on the priority list for building trust and relationships between our countries,” he said.
Ibrahim also underlined the importance of following legal procedures while dealing with India's extradition request. He said Malaysia had an understanding of the demand but would need to proceed cautiously while respecting the rule of law and the broader interests of bilateral relations.
“We have some understanding of it (extradition demand), but we need to do it very cautiously,” he said, adding that Malaysia would consider the matter in accordance with legal principles.
Naik, who is wanted in India in connection with cases involving alleged hate speech and money laundering, has been living in Malaysia as a permanent resident. He moved to Malaysia in 2016 after Indian authorities initiated investigations into him and organisations associated with him, including the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV. He was subsequently granted permanent residency in Malaysia.
India has formally sought his extradition, while Malaysia has maintained that the matter would be dealt with through established legal channels.
During the interview, Ibrahim also addressed recent controversial remarks by Kerala-based Islamic cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliar, who reportedly said women should remain confined to their homes and should not enter the public sphere.
Ibrahim, who is scheduled to meet the cleric in Kozhikode on Sunday, said he does not agree with all of Musliar's views. He indicated that he would make Malaysia's position clear during the meeting, particularly on women's rights and equal opportunities.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said women in his country enjoy equal rights and highlighted the participation of women in higher education and professional fields.
He cited his own family as an example, noting that his wife is a medical doctor and that his children, including his daughters, have been given opportunities to pursue education and enjoy freedom.
Ibrahim's remarks come as India and Malaysia seek to deepen bilateral ties through political engagement, economic cooperation and greater mutual trust, with the BRICS Summit providing an important platform for high-level discussions.
