Zakir Naik: India’s Republic TV airs secretly recorded meeting with the controversial preacher in KL

KUALA LUMPUR – India-based news network Republic TV has aired covertly recorded footage and details of a meeting with controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik at his residence in Putrajaya.

Zakir Naik, an Indian national wanted by Indian authorities, currently resides in Malaysia under permanent residency granted by the Malaysian government. His continued presence in Malaysia has long remained a sensitive point in bilateral relations between Putrajaya and New Delhi.

The issue resurfaced during Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to New Delhi. When reporters asked about the potential extradition of Naik to India, Prime Minister Anwar avoided a direct public commitment, saying the two governments were discussing the matter diplomatically “behind closed doors”.

Following the Prime Minister’s visit, Republic TV deployed an investigative reporter to Malaysia to track Naik’s whereabouts. Posing as a follower from Assam, an Indian state, interested in his teachings, the journalist contacted Naik through his close associates and arranged a face-to-face meeting in Putrajaya.

During the meeting, the reporter used a hidden camera to record the conversation and observe Naik’s residence. Republic TV broadcasts detailed Naik’s living arrangements, highlighting a three-tier security setup and personal bodyguards accompanying him during the meeting with the journalist.

The network’s broadcasts have sparked discussion and debates in India regarding Naik’s security apparatus and operational base in Malaysia.

Republic TV’s footage also shows Zakir Naik commenting on Indian politics, Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, and the CJP street protests.

As of now, the Malaysian government has not issued any official statement or comment regarding the Republic TV report or the secretly filmed footage.