PUTRAJAYA has reinstated Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s full security detail after threats were made to the former prime minister, sources said.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman now has increased security including personnel from the elite Special Action Unit (UTK).

“Yes, there are threats to Dr Mahathir’s safety and Alhamdulillah his full security detail has been reinstated,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

Another source had also confirmed this latest development and the extra security detail was seen in Langkawi yesterday where Dr Mahathir will be contesting in the coming polls.

The sources, however, refused to divulge details about the threats the PH chairman had allegedly received.

Putrajaya withdrew the UTK service provided to Dr Mahathir in October last year, a development which he had shared with his two million followers through his official Facebook page.

The personal bodyguard service, a privilege given to all former prime ministers, was withdrawn a year after the government ended the contracts of Dr Mahathir’s cook and office assistant.

However, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun had said UTK bodyguards had not been withdrawn and only ordinary members of the police force were recalled.

On Friday, Dr Mahathir had alleged that a private aircraft which was to fly him to Langkawi had been tampered with, adding that hidden hands were behind this attempt to ensure he did not make it to Langkawi to file his nomination papers.

Bersatu supreme council member A. Kadir Jasin said the issue of security threats against Dr Mahathir cannot be taken lightly as assassinations have happened in other countries.

“We have to bear in mind, the threat to Dr Mahathir’s life is never far away,” he added. – April 29, 2018.