PAS CONGRATULATES PM ON ZAKIR STANCE
Preacher’s dignity should be defended, says Pas deputy president
PAS congratulated Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for allowing controversial preacher Zakir Naik to remain in the country.
Pas deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said in line with Zakir’s permanent resident (PR) status, it was the government’s responsibility to defend the latter’s dignity.
“PAS would like to congratulate the move to allow Zakir to remain in Malaysia (instead of) being sent back to India to face accusations by the Indian government,” he said yesterday.
Tuan Ibrahim added that Dr Mahathir’s “stern statement” in defending Zakir was the right move, in line with the Islamic policy of protecting its people from becoming victims of oppression and tyranny.
“Pas is strong in its principle of supporting all good actions taken by the government and opposing what is bad and divisive. “This is in line with our policy of mature and harmonious politics and the concept of cooperation.”
The Malaysia Syarie Lawyers Association said all parties must adhere to the provision provided under the Extradition Act 1992 (Act 479), which allows a fugitive to be treated fairly in accordance with the laws. The association’s Human Rights and International Relations chairman, Datuk Hazizah Kassim, said although Malaysia had extradition agreements with other countries, the act was still in force.
“On issues related to Zakir, certain quarters cannot simply urge the government to return him to his country of origin.
“Under Section 47 of the act, it gives authority to the home minister to release or withhold a fugitive. (And) an application to extradite must be made not for political interests,” she said.
Hazizah said based on the act, any fugitive was given space to challenge the process in court.
“The extradition process is not made automatically, but based on laws and the provisions provided under it.
“Zakir has permanent residency status, and as long as he has not created any problems or committed any crime, he is entitled to justice.”
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy had reportedly said that the extradition agreement between Malaysia and India, which was inked in 2010, must be honoured, including in the case of Zakir’s.
Indian media on Wednesday said its government had requested that Zakir be deported .