DPM: We believe Turkish duo have links to IS

PUTRAJAYA: The two Turkish nationals who were arrested in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday had been under police watch for alleged links to Islamic State, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the police anti-terrorism unit had been monitoring the suspects’ communications, and had reason to arrest them under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) for further investigation.

“They have been closely following the movements of several individuals involved in the spreading of influence and the funding of activities related IS,” he said.

“And they include the two Turkish nationals,” Dr Ahmad Zahid told reporters after closing the International Wasatiyyah Seminar here.

The two – international school head Turgay Karaman and businessman Ihsan Aslan – were initially thought to have been abducted.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the two would also be investigated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Crime Act.

He said police would collaborate with the Turkish police and military intelligence in the investigations.

The middle way: Dr Ahmad Zahid flanked by (from left) Institute Wasatiyyah Malaysia director Datuk Mohd Yusof Din, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, deputy Sheikh of Egypt’s al-Azhar Institute Prof Dr Abbas Syuman and Wasatiyyah chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdullah Md Zin during the closing ceremony of the International Wasatiyyah seminar in Putrajaya.

“So far, there has been no request (from Turkey) to extradite the two,” he added.

Earlier in his speech at the seminar, Dr Ahmad Zahid lamented the current state of Malaysian politics, which he said had become a field for slander and conspiracy.

“Politics should be a platform to improve the well-being of the ummah, but today it is a vehicle for politicians to gain power.

“As a result, these politicians abandon their Islamic values,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also said he would stand by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the spirit of wala – or loyalty.

“Many slanderous remarks have been made against the Prime Minister in attempts to paint a bad image,” he said. “I am also affected by the remarks, being the second man.”

At a separate event, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the Turkish men were picked up because they were a threat to the country.

“Malaysians are peace-loving people. We do not welcome foreigners who cause problems for our country.

“We also do not welcome them to come here and bring their problems to our country,” he told reporters after closing the conference for police asset officers at the Police Academy yesterday.

When questioned if there was pressure from the Turkish authorities to take action, Khalid said “no”.