KLUANG: Several Malaysian leaders are now on the target list of the Islamic State terrorist group based on intelligence reports received by the country’s national security bodies.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein revealed yesterday that he was among the targeted leaders and that information on the threat was made known before the joint Asean Defence Ministers meeting in Langkawi in March.
“I confirm that IS is targeting our leaders, but the threat will not stop us from continuing to fight terrorism in the country and region,” he told reporters at a Deepavali open house here.
Hishammuddin did not elaborate but a Bukit Aman official said others targeted included senior members of the Cabinet.
“We found out about their master plan when questioning IS member Murad Halimuddin (who has been charged and jailed).
“Murad said they wanted to kidnap the leaders whom they regard as tagut (those who have crossed religious boundaries).
“They also threatened action against police officers and army personnel whom they see as supportive of the tagut leaders,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Hishammuddin said the Nov 13 attacks in Paris were a grim reminder of how dangerous the terrorist threats were.
“Concerted efforts are needed from all countries to combat terrorist groups, including those wanting to expand their footprints in the region,” he said, adding that the main objective of IS was to create chaos among ordinary citizens.
In Alor Setar, police said the IS’ modus operandi now was to use citizens of the targeted country to launch an attack.
Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism division head Senior Asst Comm Datuk Ayub Khan said these recruits did not have to travel to Iraq or Syria.
“That is why we stress on prevention and arrest them before they manage to gather firearms or explosives.
“Many would question our action in detaining the suspects before they commit any act of terrorism but we can’t wait until a similar thing like Paris happens to us,” he said.
“Those arrested have a very strong ideology and commitment to the IS struggle and if left unchecked, they will launch attacks in Malaysia.
“What is holding them back is their lack of experience in making bombs.
“The ingredients are easily obtained and they can learn from the Internet, but they don’t have the expertise to assemble the bombs,” SAC Ayub told reporters after giving a talk on the IS threat at the Kedah RTM complex in Jalan Kuala Kedah yesterday.
He added that to date, IS-related activities had seen 46 people detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, two under the Penal Code, two under the Firearms Act 1960 and another 22 under the Prevention of Crime Act.
According to him, the IS ideology is being spread through social media and is a nationwide problem.
“The main issue is not about Palestine, as these militants even killed Muslims.
“Even if we can resolve the Palestine issue, this group of militants will continue to operate,” he said.
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