Schoolgirl who planned to join Isis wanted to further religious studies – Bernama

A schoolgirl who was detained by the police for allegedly wanting to join the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) militant group in Syria had told her family she wanted to further her studies at a religious school.

This was according to the 14-year-old's uncle and a schoolmate.

The 52-year-old uncle reeled in shocked when informed the teenager was nabbed on Tuesday at the KL International Airport on suspicion of wanting to join the militant group in Syria.

"I didn't know my niece was detained until you (reporters) told me... her relations with her family are good and there are no problems... and she is even close to her friends at school.

"She is the eldest of three children and their mother died a few years ago. Recently, she wanted to study at a religious school," he told reporters when met at his house in a village in Muar, Johor, today.

One of the suspect's friends said the girl had told him that she wanted to learn more about religion by furthering her studies at a religious school.

"We were shocked that she wanted to join the Isis...she is friendly and quite smart in her studies," said the 16-year-old schoolboy.

On February 17, a team from the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Unit in Kuala Lumpur detained the schoolgirl at the airport on suspicion she was planning to join Isis in Syria.

According to the police, the girl was influenced by extremist ideology after interacting with two people on Facebook, before deciding to leave the country for Egypt to marry her boyfriend and later join the Isis militant group in Syria.

The girl is being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

The teenage suspect was a student at a religious school in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Inspector-heneral of police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar recently reiterated his call to parents to monitor the movements of their children to thwart extreme beliefs from influencing them.

The 'feet of clay' of decision-makers exposed

MP SPEAKS Sirul Azhar Umar is showing to the whole world the “feet of clay” of our inspector-general of police, the attorney-general, the judiciary and our prime minister in their mishandling of the 2006 Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case.

In his first telephone interview with Malaysiakini on Tuesday, Feb 17, Sirul said: "I was under orders. The important people with motive are still free.

"It is not like I do not love the police (force) or the country, but I acted under orders."

But this is exactly what Sirul has done, for in one swoop he exposed the “feet of clay” of the pillars of our country, Inspector-General of  Police Khalid Abdu Bakar, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, the judiciary and Prime Minister Najiob Abdul Razak.

Many Pakatan Rakyat leaders, including the DAP MP for Bukit Gelugor Ramkarpal Singh, who is also lawyer for the family of the murdered Mongolian woman, have called on IGP Khalid to initiate fresh investigations into the Altantuya’s murder after Sirul claimed that he was ordered to kill her.

However, Khalid is obstinate that  the police will not re-investigate Altantuya’s murder, even though new allegations have surfaced, on the ground that Sirul had not divulged information that merits renewed scrutiny into the case.

Khalid had been heading the federal police force since May 2013, and was Deputy IGP from April 2011.

Is Khalid saying, ‘I never knew’?

Is Khalid seriously suggesting that he had never known that Sirul’s first police statement, on Nov 19, 2006,  after his arrest for the murder of Altantuya, was to confess that he was acting under orders and was offered money to kill Altantuya and destroy all evidence by blowing up her body with military explosives?

If Khalid really did not know about the existence of Sirul’s police statement of Nov 19, 2006, it raises a serious question about his fitness to continue as  the No 1 Policeman in the country.

In the circumstances, what Sirul said in Australia is merely a re-statement of what he told the police in November 2006, not only that he and  Azilah Hadri had murdered Altantuya, but that they were acting under orders and had been offered money for the killing.

So, why didn’t the police act on Sirul’s statement to the police in November 2006?

With Sirul reaffirming what he had then told the police, isn’t this sufficient evidence for the police to re-open investigations as to the mastermind and the motive for the murder of the Mongolian translator?

While the Federal Court’s conviction of Sirul and Azilah is not disputed, why had the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Federal Court judges failed to raise the question that both Sirul and Azilah had no motive to murder Altantuya, and that the police should continue investigations to bring to book the “mastermind” who had the motive to order Sirul and Azilah to murder Altantuya?

Prime Minister Najib had made the same mistake committed by his one-time confidante, Abdul Razak Baginda, who was acquitted of abetting in the murder of Altantuya, when Razak blabbered at the end of last month about the motive of Altantuya’s killing, saying: “Only the two policemen know. Rogue police do kill people, like in so many remand cases.”

Was Sirul a “rogue policeman” on his own accord or was Sirul a “rogue policemen” under orders?

I am surprised that the IGP, who is supposed to defend the image and integrity of the 130,000-strong police force, was so meek and ineffectual when his men and women in blue were maligned by Razak Baginda’s aspersions.

This is because all Malaysians, as well as the entire police force, had expected a more forceful response from Khalid to Razak’s insinuation that all cases of custodial deaths were due to “rogue policemen”.

The outburst by Najib at the MCA Chinese New Year open house yesterday. that it was “utter rubbish” and “total rubbish” for Sirul to claim that he had acted under orders to murder Altantunya, was really very rash and imprudent, as his cry can be seen as self-incriminating as well.

Najib’s outbursts are still ricocheting throughout  the country, for everyone is asking as to how Najib could know that Sirul’s claim was “utter rubbish” and “total rubbish”!

Is Najib prepared to explain what he meant by his outbursts?

It is a very painful and shameful affair for Malaysians to see the pillars of our country, IGP Khalid, AG Gani, the judiciary and the prime pinister exposing their feet of clay to the world as a result of Sirul’s statement in Australia.

When will this chapter of shame for Malaysia end?

---

LIM KIT SIANG is DAP Parliamentary Leader and the party’s MP for Gelang Patah.

 

Pereira told to allege conspiracy in Anwar’s case?

A report has surfaced on how Jude Pereira, the investigating officer in the Sodomy II case, had been asked to make a public statement alleging a conspiracy against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Those mentioned to be involved were MyWatch chairperson R Sri Sanjeevan and former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan, who once served as the crime watchdog’s patron.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Musa confirmed that he had met Pereira just before the last general election in 2013 at the former police chief’s house in Petaling Jaya.

The former police chief said he was later informed that the deputy superintendent (DSP) had been asked to make a press statement in Anwar's favour.

However, he denied asking the DSP if there was a conspiracy in the opposition leader's case as alleged in the article published by Malaysia Today blog, which quoted Pereira.

"We talked about old times and regarding how Pereira wanted to be a practicing lawyer. I also told him that Sanjeevan wanted to meet him.

"Pereira later told me that he met Sanjeevan and the latter asked him to issue a press release about there being a conspiracy against Anwar," he added.

Musa said when Pereira told him that he refused to do so, he had commended the police officer for making a stand.

The former IGP also revealed that he parted ways with Sanjeevan because the latter was too involved in politics.

"I told him to quit politics and focus on the NGO. He didn't do it, so I left (MyWatch)," he said.

Responding to a question, Musa confirmed that Sanjeevan was close to Anwar. Contacted later, Sanjeevan declined to comment on the matter.

Last Tuesday, Anwar was convicted of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan and sentenced to five years' jail.

In the Malaysia Today article, Pereira's alleged handwritten account on his meeting with Sanjeevan stated that he was promised to be “taken care of” should Pakatan Rakyat win the election and that he also spoke to Anwar on the phone.

The full version reads:

“I met Sanjeevan at the coffee house within the lobby of PJ Hilton. He was sitting at a table and looked preoccupied with some documents. As I got acquainted with him, he told me that he was assisting DSAI (Anwar) in the coming general election, and that it was going to be a sure win for PKR.

“He informed me that DSAI was campaigning in Ipoh at the moment. Sanjeevan was very direct. He asked me whether I would make a press statement to say that there was conspiracy in my investigations against DSAI. He told me that I would be taken care of should PKR win.”

“I told Sanjeevan that I could not make such a statement, as my investigations showed no conspiracy. Then he asked me whether I can just say that there was government interference during investigations, to which I responded in the negative too.

“I then suggested that if they wanted me to help out in any way, at best I could say that I respected the High Court’s decision to acquit DSAI and wished him well. Sanjeevan then proceeded to call DSAI with his hand phone and informed DSAI that I was there with him. He then gave the phone to me, requesting that I talk to DSAI.

“I just wished DSAI well for the elections and told him that I was not able to say what Sanjeevan had wanted me to say, but that I would just mention that I respected the Courts decision in his (DSAI’s) case. DSAI replied that it was alright and good enough for me to say just that.”

“Sanjeevan than suggested that he would write down something mild for me to say to the press in support of DSAI, and that he would call the press in the morning should I agree. He then asked me to go to a new hotel in KL Central and meet a person who would show me what he had written on my behalf, which I was to give to the press the next morning.

“Sanjeevan also told me that I would be well protected in the hotel and that I can stay at the hotel for the night, all on the house. Just out of curiosity I decided to go and see how far it is going to go.

“I reached the new hotel at KL Central at about 8 pm. At the lobby, I met a bearded Indian Muslim man and another person sitting at a table. I introduced myself and said that I was with Sanjeevan earlier, and that I was to see them. They told me that they were assisting DSAI in the elections.

“The bearded man had already drafted a letter and asked me to read it, and that if I had agreed to it, they would call the press in the morning. I was completely shocked after reading a passage of about 100 words, which said that I was the Investigation Officer and that DSAI was innocent and was charged unreasonably, with evidence fabricated against him.

“The passage made me look like a fool and would have thrown my integrity down the drain after all my hard work. I refused to subscribe to their request and just walked away from the hotel.

“I drove back to my house in Ipoh the very same night, regretting that I had ever met Sanjeevan and his friends, who intended to exploit me for their needs. Later on that same day, TS Musa texted me and asked me how my meeting went.

“When I told him what had happened, he texted me in reply saying that I did the right thing in safeguarding my integrity.”

Mahfuz raps IGP for discounting Sirul's claim

PAS information chief Mahfuz Omar sarcastically said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar has to go to the doctor, since he is having a “fever”.

Mahfuz said this when asked to comment on the IGP's response to allegations made by ex-commando Sirul Azhar Umar, who has been convicted of the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

“I think the IGP is having a fever. I ask that he goes to the doctor.

“He cannot give such a response when Sirul has made such an allegation. There was a trial. Don’t tell me Khalid didn’t follow the trial,” Mahfuz told a press conference at the PAS headquarters today.

Khalid (left) said on Wednesday that the police do not plan to re-open investigation into the murder unless Sirul divulges new information about the case.

However, Mahfuz (left) added that Khalid’s statement showed he was only fit to be a lance corporal, not the inspector-general of police.

“It is just unfortunate that an inspector-general of police issues such statements. I think he’s only fit to be a lance corporal,” he said.

Mahfuz also denied that he was taking advantage of the Altantuya murder case and pointed out that it was Sirul who had contacted him first, as he was about to face the gallows.

The PAS leader added that Sirul would reveal to the public on the murder case as it involves lives.

“For me, as he faces death, let him die in a responsible manner and let him tell what exactly happened,” Mahfuz added.

He also said that he would be chairing a press conference with Sirul, via an online telephone call from Australia, for 15 minutes.

The press conference will commence at 11.30am on Monday, at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Confirm 'hearsay' call

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng, meanwhile, questioned why the IGP was quick to say the police report he (Lim) lodged yesterday was based on 'hearsay'.

“What exactly is the IGP’s motive in trying to disregard my report?” he asked in a statement today.

Lim and his colleague Ramkarpal Singh had yesterday lodged a report urging the police to investigate the claim by former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar that he had only acted on orders and the people with the motive to kill Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu were still free.

Sirul had made the claim during an exclusive telephone interview with Malaysiakini. Last month, the Federal Court sentenced Sirul and another former police commando Azilah Hadri to death for Altantuya's murder.

Lim urged the top cop to pen a letter to the Australian authorities to confirm whether Sirul had been interviewed or otherwise.

“This is the best way to explain the so-called hearsay. Check with those who are involved in the interview."

Khalid yesterday said that police required 'sufficient grounds' to proceed with an investigation as Lim's report was based on 'hearsay' reported in the media.

 

'PM shouldn't worry, Sirul yet to name names'

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should not be unduly worried over former police commando Sirul Azhar Umar’s claims that those who had the motive to want Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu dead were still at large.

PAS information chief and Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar who said this, added it was surprsing that the prime minister would react to Sirul's recent statement as 'only those who ate chili would feel its spiciness'.

Mahfuz (left) said the although Sirul said he had acted under instructions with regards to the Altantuya murder, he did not name any individuals when he said that he had allegedly received orders to kill the Mongolian.

“Why is it rubbish? Who is not making sense? Either Sirul is not making sense or the prime minister is not making sense.

“Sirul did not mention the prime minister when he said that he was only following orders in the murder of Altantuya. So why did the prime minister give such a response?” said Mahfuz at a press conference today.

At the MCA Chinese New Year open house yesterday, when asked on Sirul’s claim that he had received orders from above to kill Altantuya, the prime minister had replied 'utter rubbish'.

Sirul had made the claim during an exclusive telephone interview with Malaysiakini, during which he also said he was being made a scapegoat and that he was considering 'revealing all' with regards to the Altantuya case.

'No need to bring Sirul back'

Mahfuz said there was no need to bring back Sirul to Malaysia, referring to the case of former Internal Security Act (ISA) detainee Yazid Sufaat who was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for joining the Al-Qaeda two years ago.

“Investigations can be done in Australia just like in the case of Yazid Sufaat,” he said.

He added that it was unfair for Sirul (right) to be brought back to the country as he had been given the death sentence.

Expressing concern that the case will instead be closed, Mahfuz said Malaysian police officers should instead be sent to Australia.

Mahfuz also said the necessary documents for Sirul’s mother and sister to leave for Australia have been completed and they were now waiting for their visas to be ready.

Five PAS members will leave with them for Australia to meet Sirul for a week. The dates will be announced soon, said Mahfuz.