Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, 12 September 2026 confirmed that the extradition of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik was discussed during private bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The acknowledgement is the most explicit public confirmation by Kuala Lumpur that the matter remains on the diplomatic agenda between the two nations.

What Anwar Ibrahim Said

Speaking in an exclusive interview with a television channel, Ibrahim confirmed that the discussions were deliberately kept confidential. 'In private discussions, of course, these engagements continue,' he said, adding that both sides 'thought we should keep it very private to protect the interests of both nations.'

He described the extradition issue as a 'priority' in the context of building bilateral trust. 'We have some understanding of it, but we need to do it very cautiously,' Ibrahim said. 'Respect the rule of law and the importance of these bilateral relations.'

Background on the Zakir Naik Case

Controversial Indian Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has resided in Malaysia as a permanent resident since 2016, after Indian authorities initiated investigations against him and associated organisations — including the Islamic Research Foundation and Peace TV — on charges of hate speech and money laundering. India subsequently submitted a formal extradition request, which Malaysia has stated it will address through established legal channels.

Naik was granted permanent residency in Malaysia after relocating, a move that has long complicated India's extradition bid. The case has been a persistent irritant in bilateral ties even as the two countries otherwise maintain warm economic and strategic relations.

Anwar Ibrahim's Stance on Women's Rights

Separately, Ibrahim distanced himself from remarks made by Kerala-based Islamic cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliar, who recently drew sharp criticism for stating that women should remain confined to their homes and not enter the public sphere. 'I do not agree with all his views,' Ibrahim said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister is scheduled to meet the cleric in Kozhikode on Sunday. Ibrahim said he would directly convey to the cleric that Malaysia guarantees women equal rights, noting that his country has more female students in universities than male, that his wife is a medical doctor, and that his daughters have been afforded full educational freedom and opportunity.

Diplomatic Context and What Comes Next

The bilateral meeting between Modi and Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit covered a range of issues, with the Naik extradition representing the most sensitive item on the table. Ibrahim's careful phrasing — emphasising the rule of law and caution — signals that Kuala Lumpur is unlikely to move quickly, even as it acknowledges India's concerns. This comes amid broader efforts by both countries to deepen trade and investment ties, raising the diplomatic stakes of unresolved legal disputes. All eyes will now be on whether a formal extradition process gains momentum following the BRICS-margin engagement.