New Delhi: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that his government may consider India's request to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik if it provides evidence against him. Speaking at a session at the Indian Council of World Affairs here, Ibrahim also said the issue should not create a deadlock in expanding bilateral ties between the two countries. Responding to a specific question, he said the Indian side did not raise the issue during Tuesday's talks. Naik is wanted by India in connection with alleged money laundering and hate speeches. He fled India in 2016. Naik was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government led by Mahathir Mohamad. 

What did PM Anwar Ibrahim say?

PM Ibrahim said, "First of all, this issue was not raised by (the Indian side), the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) raised it a long time ago, a few years ago but the issue is that I am not talking about an individual, I am talking about the spirit of extremism, about a compelling case and evidence that indicates atrocities committed by an individual or group or faction or parties, which proves the crime committed by an individual or group or faction or parties." 

'Working with India against terrorism'

The Malaysian Prime Minister said that his government is "ready to consider any request and evidence if it is provided." He said, "Our stand is clear that we will not promote terrorism and we are working together with India on many of these issues against terrorism. But I do not think that due to this one matter we should create a deadlock in our further cooperation and our bilateral relationship. "