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More arrests possible, say police after seven detained over Tamil Tigers
Thursday, 10 Oct 20196:14 PM MYT
By FARIK ZOLKEPLI and AUSTIN CAMOENS
image: https://ift.tt/2nEHTpk
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is not ruling out the possibility that more arrests will be made over links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Police made this statement following the arrest of seven men, including two assemblymen, over the matter.
Bukit Aman Counter Terrorism Division (E8) head Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan said the suspects were detained in several states between 9am and 2pm on Thursday (Oct 10).
"The suspects were picked up after a thorough investigation, which began in November last year.
"We believe they promoted, supported and secured funds for the terror group," he told a press conference at Bukit Aman.
The first person to be arrested was an assemblyman in Negri Sembilan, he added.
"We believe the politician attended an event honouring so-called LTTE heroes in Melaka on Nov 28 last year.
"The assemblyman also gave a speech during the event. We also believe he distributed fliers and other items related to the terror group," said DCP Ayob.
The second person arrested was a Melaka assemblyman who attended the same event and allegedly distributed fliers as well, he added.
It is learnt that among those arrested are Melaka exco member G. Saminathan, who is Gadek assemblyman, and Seremban Jaya assemblyman P. Gunasegaran.
"Our next arrest is on a scrap metal dealer, 28, who had hosted similar events honouring the terror group's heroes.
"The man was also involved in assaulting the Sri Lanka High Commissioner at KLIA on Sept 4,2016," he said.
DCP Ayob said police also arrested a 28-year-old insurance agent in Kuala Lumpur, believed to have planned an attack on the Sri Lanka High Commission in the city.
"We are investigating further to see the extent of his plan," he said.
Police also picked up a 37-year-old taxi driver in Sungai Siput, Perak.
"We believe he attended secret meetings to spread LTTE propaganda. He was involved in injuring the Sri Lankan High Commissioner at the KLIA," he said.
The last two arrests were made in Kulim and Sungai Buloh, he added.
Several items, including flags, banners and pamphlets on LTTTE were also seized during the series of raids, he added.
DCP Ayob said police would continue to investigate the group and its supporters in Malaysia.
"We are not ruling out the possibility that more arrests will be made," he said.
DCP Ayob also dismissed the issue of favouritism or making arrests based on race, as the E8 had always been consistent in nabbing those involved in terror groups.
"So far, 284 Jemaah Islamiyah members, 512 Islamic State members and 25 LTTE members have been detained in various operations over the years.
"We will take stern action on anyone who broke the law, especially those involved in terrorism," he said.
DCP Ayob said it was clear that the LTTE had been classified as a terrorist group by several countries, including Malaysia.
"Such movements must be stopped as soon as possible before it grows. Four people were also arrested in Europe recently for attempting to revive the LTTE," he said.
DCP Ayob blasted those who want to turn it into a racial issue.
"Prior to this, why was there no noise made by any politicians on the arrests of other terror groups?" he said.
Asked whether police would monitor if there were events honouring LTTE, DCP Ayob said no more warning would be issued.
"What good is there in supporting a group that has been clearly defined as being involved in terrorism?" he asked.
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