Former lecturer among 8 arrested for suspected IS links

A former lecturer was among eight individuals arrested by the Royal Malaysia Police for suspected involvement in extremism and radicalism linked to the Islamic State (IS) in simultaneous operations across four states on June 22 and 23.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the six men and two women, aged between 25 and 70, were detained in Kelantan, Johor, Penang, and Selangor.

“Initial investigations into all the suspects also revealed threats against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the prime minister, dignitaries, and senior police officials.

“In addition, the eight suspects come from various occupational and economic backgrounds, including being unemployed, housewives, and educated professionals,” he told a press conference today.

He said all of them are being held for 28 days under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Asked if the suspects were part of a network, Saifuddin said their commonality lies in sharing the same ideology.

“It’s one ideology, one belief stemming from the conviction that the country’s leadership is not based on the caliphate system, for example.

“... when such conditions are not met, they justify actions to challenge the government; that’s among the signs of their group’s beliefs,” he said.

Saifuddin said elements of extremism, radicalism, and violence are currently exploiting advancements in modern technology and using social media to spread dangerous ideologies.

“The Malaysian government remains firm that there will be no compromise with anyone inciting, perpetrating, supporting, or sympathising with extremism, radicalism, and violence in this country.

“The authorities will not hesitate to take the strongest enforcement actions against these groups,” he warned.

Saifuddin assured the public that they need not worry about the level of security and public order in Malaysia.

“This assurance is driven by the efficiency and competency of the police in proactively countering threats of extremism, radicalism, and violence, demonstrating the readiness and capability of the forces to confront any threat at all times,” he said.

- Bernama

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