Urgent stance required against IS, says Defence Minister

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein revealed today that several Malaysian leaders are on the Islamic State’s “hit list”.

Meanwhile, in Ipoh, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said in the wake of the Paris terror attack, security at all airports here have been tightened with extra measures initiated.

He added that he did not know why the country’s leaders and Malaysia were targets, and suggested that it could be due to the nation’s strong stand against the militant group.

“We condemn the attacks in Paris, which were not only against the French, but one against world peace as a whole, said Hishammuddin who also conveyed his personal condolences to his French counterpart, Jean-Yves Le Drian”.

“If we do not take into consideration the safety aspect following what had happened in Europe, don’t think that the same thing will not occur here”.

Modi’s Malaysia visit includes a bilateral visit besides attending the tenth East Asia-India Summit which follows the Asean Summit. “They are a threat that can risk our security and defence”, he said. If we allow them to run rampant, they will control the situation. Everything that goes against IS is what Malaysia stands for.

“We represent moderate Islam, which is contrary to what they stand for”.

The report also quoted a Bukit Aman official as saying that Murad Halimuddin, an Isis member, who were detained by the police, as saying that senior ministers were among the targets.

He said that shows how difficult it is for the authorities to monitor and stop this new type of terrorism “which makes it harder for us to monitor where and when they will make their next strike”.

“We have mobilised whatever necessary (in facing terrorism threats)”. The Asean Summit, which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from November 18-22, will also see the attendance of leaders from the regional body’s dialogue partner countries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

He added they were monitoring all forms of communication coming in and out, as well as within Malaysia, to find out those who were recruited or interested in IS activities.