Weeding out IS backers in military
> 1% of potential suspects monitored are in armed forces: Hishammuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: One out of every 100 individuals in the country identified by the Special Branch (SB) counter-terrorism unit for potential involvement with the Islamic State (IS) is a serviceman.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, in disclosing this, said the military is working closely with its police counterpart with regard to its personnel and that those found guilty will face the full brunt of the law.
“If we receive information from the SB, or the public, we will take the necessary action,” he told a press conference after opening the 40th Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS) here yesterday.
He said the ministry is going all out to ensure none of its personnel are involved in the activities by IS, also known as Daesh.
The Armed Forces Religious Corps (Kagat) and the military intelligence unit have been tasked with monitoring and identifying soldiers showing interest in joining militant groups, he added.
Meanwhile, Special Branch director Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said it was pertinent that action be taken against security personnel involved in militancy due to their expertise in operating firearms and other weapons.
“It’s the same too for police. We don’t want them to be involved because we know they can operate these weapons and pose a grave danger to the public.
“We won’t view this matter lightly. If even our security personnel are involved in militancy, how is the public supposed to feel safe, and how can the country be safe?” he said, adding that at least 10 military men have been arrested for terror-linked offences.
Earlier in his speech, Hishammuddin said he would not be deterred from the fight against Daesh despite a recent threat by the terrorist group to kidnap him and several other top leaders in the country.
“Daesh has for some reason thought it worthwhile to have me kidnapped. As long as the Malaysian military is behind me, I will face them head-on,” he said.