Calls for White Paper on terror group

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno lawmakers will support a proposal by PAS for the Government to table a White Paper on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Parliament, said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“Although Umno has not made an official statement on the proposal, the move will be supported by Umno lawmakers if the government tables a White Paper on it, ” he told reporters at Parliament lobby yesterday.

He said the tabling of a White Paper would help clear the air over the arrests connected to the LTTE issue.

“This is because some lawmakers had made statements saying that sympathy should not be equated to support for the LTTE.

“In this respect, we need to look at the security of the nation and the aspect if the channelling of funds to a terrorist group is sign of support, ” he added.

Ahmad said he also agreed with the statement by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the police action against the LTTE was done without the interference of the government, when rubbishing claims that the arrests were made to weaken certain quarters.

Q&A time: Dr Ahmad Zahid talking to reporters at Parliament lobby. — Bernama

“I agree with the Prime Minister that it was not done to split any political parties.

“It must be looked at whether any individual or groups in this country have any links with terrorism irrespective of religion or race, ” he added.

Ahmad, who was Home Minister in charge when Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) and several preventive laws were enacted, said that there should not be differing interpretation of the recent police action.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who also spoke to reporters in Parliament lobby, said he welcomed the PAS proposal but with condition.

“I fully support the proposal on the White Paper but there should also be White Paper on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and those detained under Sosma for support to IS (Islamic State).”

He added that although he is not against the recent police action, he said those arrested should be charged in court based on evidence rather than being detained under Sosma.

Meanwhile, when met at Parliament lobby, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said he did not want to comment on the White Paper proposal, saying it was merely a divisive ploy by PAS.