KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities successfully secured the return and rehabilitation of 13 young Malaysians linked to the Al-Ghuraba cell of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) following their detention in Pakistan in 2003.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, recalling the incident, said JI’s top leadership had been sending the children of its members overseas since the mid-1990s to ensure the group’s continuity.
"These youths pursued studies in Pakistan and, during breaks, underwent military training at Al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan and Lashkar-e-Toiba camps in Kashmir. This group was intended to form the next generation of JI leaders," he said in a Facebook post.
Ayob Khan, a former Counter-Terrorism Division head, said Pakistani authorities detained the 13 members in Karachi in September 2003 on suspicion of militant involvement. Aged 16 to 25, they were students at Abu Bakar University.
He noted that the United States had requested their transfer to Guantanamo Bay due to alleged Al-Qaeda links. However, in November 2003, then Special Branch director Datuk Yusof Rahaman led efforts to bring them home.
"A delegation was dispatched to Pakistan to negotiate. After several rounds of talks in Islamabad, Pakistani authorities agreed to hand over all 13 Malaysians," Ayob Khan said.
The group was flown back on Dec 9, 2003. Upon arrival, they were detained under preventive laws but placed in a special rehabilitation facility. Three received detention orders, four had restriction orders, and four were released without conditions.
Those under orders were provided tuition to prepare for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. Four achieved excellent results and entered public universities, while others pursued private studies or entered the workforce.
Ayob Khan said the success of the rehabilitation, supported by the Internal Security Act (ISA), demonstrated Malaysia’s holistic approach to terrorism. He added that the Special Branch’s programmes are among the best globally, drawing interest from foreign agencies.
