‘Made by someone with know-how’

KUALA LUMPUR: The improvised explosive device (IED) found under the vehicle of social activist Siti Kasim was not activated when it was discovered, says police.

City police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said analysis of the device revealed that the switch had to be turned on manually before it could be triggered by remote.

“The bomb disposal unit has analysed the contents of the improvised explosive device which was placed under her vehicle and found that there was diesel and cloth as well as a battery and some circuitry.

“Further checks revealed that the device had a switch but it was turned off at the time it was found,” he told a press conference yesterday.

He said police investigation also found that the bomb was produced by a person who has expertise in making homemade bombs and is believed to have basic knowledge in the field of electronics to connect the circuit on the IED.

“The culprit has knowledge in making circuits and explosives. For the suspect, we are still looking for clues,” he said, adding that anyone who came in contact with Siti Kasim’s vehicle would be called in for questioning.

Comm Mohd Shuhaily said the police have taken statements from 13 individuals so far, including her mechanic, security guards, the workshop owner and some of her friends.

It was reported on July 21 that a bomb was found underneath Siti Kasim’s car when it was being serviced in a workshop in Bangsar.

The police bomb squad was dispatched to safely remove the IED.

The activist-lawyer was quoted saying she would continue speaking up against the use of religion in politics.

A day after discovering a bomb was planted on her car, Siti Kasim continued with her trademark defiant tone, lambasting her critics and those who had prayed for her death.