New Delhi: Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahims three-day visit to India has garnered attention not only for its potential to boost bilateral relations but also for the controversies surrounding the leader. On his first visit to India as Malaysias PM, Ibrahim is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Draupadi Murmu, and Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.The trip aims to bolster ties between the two countries, with expectations of fostering cooperation across multiple sectors. However, controversies linked to Ibrahim have also resurfaced during his visit, especially regarding his role in a high-profile religious conversion case.Controversial case of Hindu conversionAnwar Ibrahim, who assumed office as Malaysias Prime Minister in November 2022, was thrust into global headlines a year later in 2023 due to allegations of religious conversion. The controversy centered on accusations that Ibrahim was involved in converting a Hindu youth to Islam.The incident reportedly took place after Friday prayers at a mosque in Klang, sparking criticism not only within Malaysia but also in countries like India. The non-Muslim community in Malaysia reacted strongly to the incident, raising concerns about religious freedom and the influence of political leaders in such matters.Never in the history of Malaysia, a Prime Minister perform conversion. Its important to note the act of PMX @anwaribrahim . PHBN leaders whats your comment @ganabatirau1 @mkula @guanenglim @limkitsiang @TSVigneswaranSA @DatukSaravanan pic.twitter.com/lnaLMntLLq— S.Subramaniam (@slsubra) August 18, 2023Long and tumultuous political careerAnwar Ibrahim has been a significant figure in Malaysian politics for decades. His political journey began in the 1970s when he founded the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM). Although he came close to becoming Prime Minister in the 1990s, his career was derailed when he was jailed on charges of corruption and unnatural sex in 1998.After years of imprisonment and political struggle, Ibrahims fortunes changed when his conviction was overturned in 2004, allowing him to reenter politics. Despite facing new allegations and another prison term in 2015, he made a remarkable comeback, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 2022.Connections with Zakir NaikIbrahims association with controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has also sparked a controversy. Naik, who has been in Malaysia since 2017, is wanted in India on multiple charges and has been declared a fugitive by Indian courts. His proximity to Ibrahim has been widely discussed, with photos of the two frequently circulating online. Malaysias leniency towards Naik has hindered Indias attempts to secure his extradition, further complicating the diplomatic landscape between the two nations.Modi ji is hugging Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is a good friend of Zakir Naik.Zakir Naik, a Wanted Criminal in India, is currently a permanent resident of Malaysia.Modi ji should request Malaysian PM Anwar to hand over Zakir Naik to us. pic.twitter.com/ZccPQ6Gq4r— Dr. JANGO (@doctor_jango) August 20, 2024Strengthening India-Malaysia relationsDespite the controversies, Ibrahims visit has the potential to strengthen the historical and socio-cultural ties between India and Malaysia. With bilateral trade reaching approximately $20 billion in the last fiscal year, Malaysia has become Indias 16th largest trading partner, while India ranks among Malaysias top 10 trading partners. Malaysia is also Indias third-largest trading partner within the ASEAN bloc. The visit aims to enhance these economic ties and lay the groundwork for future cooperation.
