Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik finds refuge in Malaysia

Controversial Islamic scholar Zakir Naik has been given residency in Malaysia, as per Reuters. In September, when Zakir Naik had emerged from a prominent Malaysian mosque, fans had swarmed to click selfies with the Indian Muslim televangelist.

Critics claim that Naik's presence in Malaysia is a sign of top-level support for hardline Islam in the country.

Accompanied by a bodyguard, Naik made a rare public appearance at the Putra Mosque in Malaysia's administrative capital, where the prime minister and his cabinet members often worship.

A group of Malaysian activists has filed suit in the High Court to deport Naik, saying he is a threat to public peace in the multi-racial society - about 40 percent of Malaysia's population is non-Muslim.

ALSO READ: NIA files charge sheet against Zakir Naik for hate speech

Naik has in the past denied India's allegations. In an interview with a television channel in May, he said he was being targeted by the Indian government because of his popularity.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already filed a charge sheet against controversial Islamic Scholar Zakir Naik in the case of money laundering and terror funding. He fled from India on July 1, 2016 after terrorists in Bangladesh said that they were inspired by his speeches.

READ: National Investigation Agency declares Zakir Naik proclaimed offender

51-year-old Naik has been booked under the charges of inciting youths to take up terror and hateful activities and promoting hatred between religions.

In its 1000-page charge sheet, the agency has also named Naik's two firms, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and Harmony Media Private Ltd.

The NIA charge sheet also includes as much as 80 statements made under the different Sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

The NIA is probing the televangelist under terror and money-laundering charges. A non-bailable warrant (NBW) was also issued against him in April this year. NIA registered a case against Naik on November 18, 2016.

Naik, who is still absconding, is out of country since 2016 after some terrorists in Bangladesh claimed they were motivated to take up arms by his speeches.