Supporters of LTTE risk going to jail, say police

KUALA LUMPUR: Promoting and supporting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) could lead to jail time, say the police.

Bukit Aman Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) head Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan said anyone found supporting the militant group risked facing the long arm of the law.

“Supporting them includes promoting them, handing out pamphlets or collecting funds for them,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman yesterday.

On Thursday, seven men were arrested in a sweep by Bukit Aman on alleged LTTE supporters in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Perak and Kedah.

Police had been monitoring their movements since November last year, presumably after the group held LTTE Warriors Day events in several states.

Police claim their investigations and intelligence revealed a plan to revive the dormant militant group.

Two of those arrested were assemblymen from Negri Sembilan and Melaka.

Following the arrests, Klang MP Charles Santiago was quoted as saying that the struggle of the separatist rebels was similar to the struggle of the Palestinians who were fighting for their independence and fundamental rights.

He also denied that he was racist and was only pointing out the double standards shown by the police in relation to the former members of the Islamic State.

DCP Ayob urged all parties to refrain from making baseless allegations that could jeopardise investigations and affect public perception.

“LTTE was labelled a terrorist organisation under the Anti-Money Laundering, AntiTerrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act.

“Those who disagree with the label are entitled to their opinion but if you support or promote them, then we will take action,” he said.

As for other countries, he added, it’s up to them if they want to remove LTTE from the list of militant groups.

DCP Ayob said police had strong evidence on the case so far and would forward the investigation papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers once completed.

Asked if they would be calling Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who had been investigated earlier for alleged links to the LTTE, DCP Ayob said if the police had enough evidence, they would make more arrests.