Kuala Lumpur, June 10: Malaysia has the "right to not to extradite" controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to India, said Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. His remarks comes amid repeated repeated pleas sent to the Interpol by New Delhi, seeking a red corner notice against Naik.

Malaysia will not extradite Naik "if he is not going to be accorded justice", added PM Mohamad. "Zakir in general feels that he is not going to get a fair trial," he was further reported as saying by the local media. Interpol Likely to Issue Red Notice Against Fugitive Zakir Naik on India’s Request

The statement comes a day after an Indian investigation agency said it would be moving a fresh petition before the Interpol. The plea would be based on a recent non-bailable warrant issued against Naik by a Mumbai-based court.

The 53-year-old televangelist is facing money laundering charges filed by the Enforcement Directorate -- the probing agency incharge of investigating financial crimes in India.

Investigation into the alleged money laundering activities of Naik was launched after his name propped up in the 2016 Dhaka terror attacks, in which one of the extremists had shared a post praising the Islamic preacher before absconding from his house.

The Mumbai Police had also launched a probe into the allegations of "radicalisation" levelled against Naik. Hours of his speeches available on public platforms were scrutinised for pro-extremist content.

Naik, who has not returned to India since early 2016, said he is being targeted as part of a "witch hunt". He has accused the "right-wing government" in India of targeting him under a "well-hatched conspiracy".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2019 08:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).