RACE and religion are not a factor in the arrest of seven men, including two DAP assemblymen, with alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said police.

Bukit Aman Special Branch Counterterrorism Division principal assistant director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the force’s stance is consistent against all terror groups.

“There is no issue of favouritism based on race and religion because for us, anyone who is a threat to national security will be arrested,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He was responding to criticism launched at police over the arrest of the seven for allegedly promoting and trying to revive the defunct LTTE.

The suspects are being held under the Special Offences (Security Measures) Act (Sosma), which allows for detention up to 28 days.

Critics have also questioned the lack of police action against controversial preacher Zakir Naik, who is wanted for terror activities in his home country of India.

“Nothing like that. No issues of favouritism,” said Ayob.

“Why didn’t anyone question us when we took action against Daesh (Islamic State) or Babbar Khalsa International followers?

“This race issue suddenly cropped up after we arrested the seven over their (alleged) links to LTTE.”

He said police’s investigation paper will list down all the evidence they have against the suspects.

“Wait for our investigation paper, which we will submit to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. Let the A-G’s Chambers decide whether we have sufficient evidence to charge the seven.”

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, meanwhile, said there is ample evidence against the suspects.

“We have enough evidence. Also, from my observation, all Sosma detainees are treated well. Our main objective is to rehabilitate them,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Soft spot for LTTE

Ayob said some Malaysians, including politicians, have long sympathised with LTTE.

Easy visa approval for those involved in the group is a reason those with LTTE links come to Malaysia, he said.

“A good support system, as well as our welcoming nature, especially from some of our politicians, are among the reasons that the LTTE movement continues to be cherished here, with attempts being made to revive it.”

Asked about the level of domestic support for the separatist movement, he said the “LTTE Heroes Day” is celebrated every year in Malaysia.

“Our investigations into this group started last November, but they have been observing the LTTE Heroes Day for several years now.

“They have plans not just to revive LTTE, but also to launch attacks.

“If we don’t take action against this group, they will spread, and Malaysia will be labelled as the centre of the revived LTTE.”

Police declared LTTE a terrorist outfit in February 2014.

Ayob questioned the need to revive the group.

“What is the purpose of reviving LTTE here? It has been defeated in Sri Lanka. Is it to give the excuse that Indians here are ill-treated?

“Don’t equate terrorist groups with racial issues. For me, LTTE is the same as Daesh or any other terrorist movement.” – October 12, 2019.