ISA ARRESTS IN THE INTEREST OF NATIONAL, GLOBAL SECURITY, SAYS M'SIAN PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The arrests of 10 individuals under
Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA) as announced on Wednesday is in the
interest of national and global security, said Malaysian Pime Minister Najib
Razak.

He said the arrests were made in accordance with the law and was a
pre-emptive action to thwart attempts at terrorism, whether locally or abroad.

"We have stated very clearly that where the question of security and
terrorism is concerned, we will take a firm stance, meaning we will be proactive
and this step (ISA arrests) is a proactive action," he told reporters after
chairing the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) Supreme Council meeting
here Friday.

Najib, who is also Umno president, said this when asked to comment about
news reports that the 10 individuals allegedly had links with a Nigerian held in
the United States who is alleged to have attempted to blow up an airliner on
Christmas Day last year.

Commenting further, the prime minister stressed that the arrests of these
individuals did not mean that Malaysia had become a den or an operations base
for terrorists.

Instead, claims that Malaysia was a den for terrorists arose only because
Malaysia was a country that allowed free travel for foreigners, he said.

"A lot of people come in and go out (of the country), but does not mean we
are a haven for terrorists. But we will make sure whether they here for a short
visit or transiting to a third country, we will take the appropriate action (to
ensure national and global security is not jeopardised," he said.

Najib said as a responsible nation, Malaysia would play its role in ensuring
no terrorist incidents took place in the country.

"If something were to happen, it will obviously put the country in a
negative light besides the possibility of loss of lives and property. If it
(incident) happens elsewhere, we will be accused of being a transit country for
terrorists and this too will damage our image.

"So in any way we look at it, in the interest of national security and our
responsibility to the international community, we will always play our role as a
country that takes its responsibilities seriously," he said.
-- BERNAMA


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