PETALING JAYA: Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran says he will raise the issue of extraditing controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik, once an opportunity to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arises.
In a statement on Friday (July 13), Kulasegaran said he will discuss the issue of the Muslim preacher's deportation if he is able to meet Narendra.
"I assure the people that when I go to India and if I have the chance to meet the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I will discuss this matter with him as well," he said.
The Ipoh Barat MP echoed Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo's statement that the Malaysian Government will follow the rule of law if the Indian Government makes the necessary deportation order.
On Thursday (July 12), Gobind revealed that he, along with Kulasegaran and Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar had raised the issue in a Cabinet meeting.
Gobind was hitting back at Gerakan for criticising Indian leaders in Pakatan Harapan for supposedly lacking the will to convince Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to extradite Dr Zakir.
"As far as I am concerned, if India or another country is able to make out the case that warrants a person to be sent back, the Government should act accordingly," he said.
Gerakan had earlier criticised Pakatan's Indian leaders for being unable to keep their promises to deport Dr Zakir, claiming that they lacked political will and power.
Dr Mahathir had said that Malaysia would not deport Dr Zakir "as long as he is not creating any problems" here.
Dr Zakir reportedly left India two years ago and is wanted by the Indian Government for alleged money-laundering and terrorism activities.
Recently, Indian media reported that the preacher would be deported but Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun denied this.
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