The Sri Lankan Police is closely monitoring current investigations by Malaysia’s counter-terrorism unit of the activities of 12 individuals in that country who are suspected to have links with the LTTE and had transacted large sums of money in an attempt to revive the terrorist outfit in Malaysia.
Malaysian Police detected “big amounts” being transferred among the 12 suspects detained in several swoops in Malaysia last week, Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division head Deputy Commissioner Datuk Ayob Khan had told Malaysian new media.
“We believe such transactions to fund LTTE-related activities were conducted over a few years. It is still too early in the investigation but tracing such transactions, including bank accounts and recipients of the funds, is vital in our investigation into LTTE elements in Malaysia,” the officer is quoted as saying. Although investigations had revealed that the transactions had occurred in Malaysia, sources had said that the international links could not be ruled out.
Informed official sources told Daily News, that law enforcement agencies here were closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to assist with the investigations. Police media spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara however said Sri Lanka police has not yet been contacted by Malaysian counterpart.
“We are yet to receive any form of intimation from Malaysian Police. It is likely that the Malaysian authorities would be in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in keeping with protocol,” he said.
Malaysian police on Saturday detained five Malaysian individuals for alleged links to LTTE. This followed the arrests of seven men, including two DAP assemblymen, on Thursday, bringing the total number of those arrested to 12.
DCP Ayob said police had detained a 52-year-old teacher in Telok Panglima Garang, Banting, Selangor, who is suspected of supporting and promoting LTTE on social media. “We also arrested a 38-year-old executive officer and a 43-year-old city councillor in Durian Tunggal, Melaka. “We have evidence that both men had organised the LTTE Warriors’ Day celebration in Melaka on Nov 28 last year,” he said Police also detained a 26-year-old factory worker and a 29-year-old security supervisor in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
“We believe they supported and promoted LTTE on social media. We also seized LTTE-related items, including photos, posters and books,” he said. “Those involved in supporting, promoting or securing funds for terror groups will be arrested regardless of their political affiliation, race or religion.” Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that he was aware of the reasons to arrest the individuals and that he was satisfied with those reasoning. “I was briefed by the police (on the arrests), and they gave me the reasons behind their action, and I am satisfied with them,” Channel News Asia reported that Dr Mahathir told reporters after a business conference.
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