‘Moves made against Daesh to ensure our security’

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s move against the Daesh militant group’s propaganda and ideology from spreading nationwide is centered on security issues and national defence, and not political considerations, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice-president said Malaysia viewed Daesh as a threat and did not take it lightly.

“What we have expressed (about Daesh) and what we have planned is not meant to scare the people,” he told reporters after the Anugerah Nadi Negara 2016 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here yesterday.

He said the Daesh activities were seen to be increasingly rampant in ASEAN countries, such as in last night’s incident where the Philippine authorities shot dead 11 terrorists in Mindanao, believed to have links with the militant group.

Asked whether any Malaysian was among those killed, Hishammuddin said he was

What we have expressed (about Daesh) and what we have planned is not meant to scare the people. Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Defence Minister

still awaiting a report from the Philippine authorities over the incident.

The defence minister also expressed concern over the ‘direction’ of Daesh terrorists if the current offensive against the militant group in Mosul, Raqqa and Aleppo was successful.

“Many Daesh terrorists will run from Syria and Iraq...the question is, where will they head to, next?,” he asked.

Without disclosing the current number of Malaysians involved with Daesh in Syria and Iraq, he said:

“A handful of them were killed in recent attacks and some even escaped from Syria.” — Bernama