Indian Muslim televangelist Zakir Naik was in the headlines last week over reports by the Indian media that he was being extradited to India. The Malaysian police subsequently denied such reports. Since then the Prime Minister announced that the government would not deport Zakir Naik as he has permanent resident status. Over the weekend the image of the PM with Naik went viral resulting in contentious debate over social media. Today, we ask why Malaysia finds itself in the position of ‘harbouring’ the controversial preacher.