New Delhi, July 6: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has ruled out the deportation of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to India. Addressing the Malaysian media on Friday, he said that Zakir Naik would not be deported "as long as he is not creating any problems" there.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had on Thursday said that the extradition request of Zakir Naik made by India was under the active consideration of the Malaysian government. MEA spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar said, “We had made a formal request for the extradition of Zakir Naik, who is an Indian national living in Malaysia, as per the extradition treaty we have with Malaysia. At this stage, our request is under the active consideration of Malaysian side.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Inspector-General of the Royal Malaysia Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun refuted reports that Naik was being extradited to India. According to New Straits Times, Harun said that no such directive has been issued so far by the Malaysian government.

“I deny any reports on efforts being made to send him (Zakir) back. I can’t comment further, but for now, he will not be sent back today,” he was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

Zakir Naik is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India. He is facing probe both in India and Bangladesh after two suspects in the terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in July 2016 claimed that they were inspired by Naik’s radical preachings, adding that they were staunch followers of Naik on Facebook and on the Peace Television Channel. The terror attack had left 22 people dead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2018 02:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).