M'sian Police Detain 2 IS-Linked Iraqi Nationals Over Death Threat - IGP

By Nurqalby Mohd Reda SHAH ALAM, March 28 (Bernama) -- The police have detained two Iraqi nationals, suspected to be members of the so-called IS group of militants on suspicion of making a death threat against the Saudi Arabian and Qatar ambassadors based in the federal capital. The two men, aged 39 and 42, were picked up on Thursday. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said initial investigations revealed the suspects had entered the country legally. "They were nabbed in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur by a Bukit Aman (Operation/Counter Terrorism) Special Task Force team and are being detained for further investigation. "Preliminary investigations have revealed they could have been sent by IS to do something here, which can pose a threat to the country," he told reporters after attending a Student Excellence Award Ceremony at Sekolah Menengah (SMK) Bukit Jelutong (Secondary School) here Saturday. Also present were Selangor police chief Abdul Samah Mat and SMK Bukit Jelutong principal Aisah Sidan. Khalid also urged all quarters to be the 'eyes and ears' of the police to furnish information on IS-linked activities, including attempting to recruit youths and local citizens to be sent to Syria and Iraq. "I reiterate here that the plan of the IS is real...if we are not careful, something untoward will happen," he warned. Berita Harian, a local newspaper on Saturday reported that the Saudi Arabian and Qatar ambassadors had received death threats via a special officer at the Qatar Ambassador's office in Ampang Hilir. It was reported that the threat was delivered by an Iraqi man on Thursday, who also claimed to be cooperating with the Iraqi intelligence unit in this country. On another issue, Khalid said the police would call former Bar Council president Christopher Leong to question him over his recent statement which was said to have been seditious and had confused the public. "I confirm receiving a police report related to Christopher Leong and he will be investigated for sedition," he added. Prior to this, numerous quarters including Ikatan Rakyat Insan Muslim Malaysia had criticised Leong for questioning the decision of the Federal Court on the decision of the sodomy trial involving Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. -- BERNAMA