New Delhi:- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, currently on a visit to India, has raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in the country. He stated that the Indian government faces “serious issues” that affect minorities and religious sentiments. He expressed hope that India would continue to play its rightful role in addressing these concerns.
Speaking at an event organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs, Anwar Ibrahim said, “I do not deny the fact that you (the Indian government) face some serious issues that affect minorities or religious sentiments. But we hope that India will continue to play its proper role in dealing with these issues.”
He further added, “I also mentioned to Prime Minister Modi that there was a time when Nehru, Zhou Enlai (former Chinese Premier), Sukarno (Indonesia’s first President), and Julius Nyerere (former President of Tanzania) fought together against colonialism and imperialism, standing up for the Global South to ensure that we recognize humanity, freedom, and the dignity of men and women.”
This statement comes at a time when bilateral relations between India and Malaysia are gradually improving. In 2019, when India abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Malaysia’s then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized the move. Mahathir also targeted India regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAA), leading to India’s strong objection and subsequent halting of oil exports to Malaysia.
While relations between India and Malaysia have been improving, the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik remains a significant obstacle. Naik fled India in 2016 and was granted asylum by Malaysia in 2018. He is accused in India of making provocative speeches, money laundering, and promoting terrorism. In 2019, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against Naik in a terror funding case.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Statement on Zakir Naik
During his visit to India, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made a significant statement regarding Zakir Naik. He said that if India provides sufficient evidence against Naik, his government might consider handing him over to India.
Anwar Ibrahim noted that during his discussions with Prime Minister Modi, the issue was not brought up and emphasized that it should not affect the bilateral relations between the two countries.
He stated, “First of all, the Indian side did not raise this issue. Prime Minister Modi brought it up long ago, a few years back. We do not condone terrorism, and we have been firm on this, working together with India on many counter-terrorism issues. However, I believe this issue should not stand in the way of advancing our bilateral relations.”
