‘Be on guard for more Dr Mahmuds’

We can’t afford to rest, says Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR: While the death of lecturer turned militant Dr Mahmud Ahmad in Marawi has yet to be confirmed by Malaysia’s intelligence, the country cannot afford to rest on its laurels as others will emerge to take his place, says the Defence Minister.

“I have not received confirmation from our (Malaysia) intelligence but the indication from the Philippines’ side is that that is the case,” Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein told reporters after a National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue with the Defence Ministry at Wisma Perwira here yesterday.

“While the news was confirmed by their (Philippines’) highest leadership, let’s just get confirmation from our own intelligence first.”

However, even if the news was true, Hishammuddin said the security forces could not afford to rest easy.

“There will be more Dr Mahmuds to come. So, don’t think that is the end of the day,” he said.

On Thursday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was quoted by the country’s media as saying that Dr Mahmud, as well as two other high-ranking militants, had been killed.

News of Dr Mahmud’s death came in the wake of reports that both Islamic State “Emir” Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute had also been killed earlier this week

On the coming Budget, Hishammuddin said he met the Prime Minister to convey his needs for the ministry, adding that this included increased funds to improve the Malaysian Special Forces units to better equip them to combat militancy.

Among the plans shared at the TN50 dialogue with members of the Armed Forces and the ministry was for a hospital, which would be built for veterans.

As of now, the ministry is eyeing Ipoh as a prospective location for the hospital.