Malaysia Clarifies Zakir Naik’s Extradition Status Amid Judicial Process And India-Malaysia Bilateral Relations Concerns

New Delhi: Malaysian High Commissioner to India Dato' Muzaffar Shah Mustapha spoke to IANS about the trade relations between the two countries, along with the second ASEAN Summit of the year, to be held in Kuala Lumpur by the end of October. During the interaction, the Malaysian High Commissioner made a major statement regarding the extradition of Zakir Naik to India. Malaysian High Commissioner Dato' Muzaffar Shah Mustapha said, "We have a bilateral extradition treaty with India, and there is a process that needs to be followed.

Zakir Naik's case is currently undergoing legal proceedings. The matter is under the supervision of a Malaysian court and will be resolved based on judicial consideration. Based on the justification given by the Indian government, there is no reason to extradite Zakir Naik. This matter has nothing to do with the Malaysian government."

What did Mustafa say on India-Malaysia relations?

Speaking on the relationship between the two countries, he said, "Malaysia and India have a long-standing historical and cultural connection. Our relations are progressing very well, as evidenced by the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to India. This visit marked another milestone in strengthening our bilateral relations. This is also reflected in the elevation of our relations between Malaysia and India to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Regarding the ASEAN Summit, he said, "Malaysia currently holds the Chair of ASEAN, and we attach great importance to our chairmanship. The issues of inclusiveness and stability are of even greater importance not only to ASEAN, but to Malaysia in particular. We look forward to gathering in Kuala Lumpur with leaders from ASEAN member states, including India, to discuss the future."

Malaysia looks forward to welcoming PM Modi...

High Commissioner Mustafa said, "Malaysia looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi during this Summit. We know that India is one of the Dialogue Partners of ASEAN and invitations have been extended to the Heads of State and Government of all the Dialogue Partners of ASEAN." Regarding the India-US bilateral meeting during the ASEAN Summit, he said that the leaders attending the summit would also take advantage of the opportunity to hold separate meetings.

In his previous conversation with the Malaysian Prime Minister, US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to participate. While I am not aware whether a meeting between India and the US has been requested, if it occurs during the ASEAN Summit, Malaysia would be very happy to host such an important meeting.

The US President was also invited

He said that as is the case with all ASEAN summits, the US President has been invited. All issues of concern to ASEAN countries and dialogue partners will be raised and discussed during the summit. "I expect terrorism to be one of the key topics on the agenda," he said. Regarding US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the two-year-long conflict in Gaza, he said, "I am not aware of any proposal regarding Gaza yet."