Malaysia Not Target Of Attack By Militants, Says Hishammuddin
(Bernama) – PENDANG — Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on Saturday gave the assurance that security in Malaysia was under control and it was not a target of attack by militant groups despite some of their members having been found in the country.
He said Malaysia had close contact with international intelligence agencies in the matter.
“Actually, Malaysia is not their target. They may be in the country, but it is not a target, at least for now.
“We have taken proactive and preventive measures. Our information is derived not only from domestic organisations but also international agencies,” he told reporters after opening the Pendang Umno Division delegates meeting, here.
The police yesterday confirmed the arrest of Indonesian terror suspect Agus Salim, 34, on Monday after he had slipped into the country under a new name following his deportation in 2009 to Indonesia for allegedly harbouring another terror suspect Mas Selamat Kasturi, suspected to be the leader of the Singapore cell of Jemaah Islamiah (JI).
Hishammuddin said the threat of terrorism in a borderless world was most serious and that he had always stressed that the international movement of people was a factor contributing to cross-border crimes.
“That is the reason for the recent introduction of the biometric fingerprint scanning system. There are two or three other systems we can use to vet so that we can identify their location, whether they (foreigners) are here legally or are involved in something more serious,” he said.
On the plan by election watchdog Bersih 2.0 to hold a demonstration in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, Hishammuddin said the move could undermine security as those opposed to the action could also demonstrate to show their displeasure, thus possibly sparking clashes.
This would disrupt the daily activities of the people as they would be unable to do business, go to work or send their children to school, he added.
On the Obedient Wives Club said to be linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement, he said the preliminary report on the police and ministry probes indicated that it did not undermine national security, other wise the police would act.
He also said that the National Registration Department should look into the security features of the MyKad to prevent cyber criminals from extracting the confidential information within.
Hishammuddin, who is also an Umno vice-president, advised Umno divisions to be prepared for the next general election regardless of when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak would seek the dissolution of parliament.
He also said that Umno members should strive to increase the party’s membership and ensure that more people registered as voters, like what the opposition parties were already doing.
“Better late than never. There is still time (to register new voters),” he said.
(Bernama)
