I REFER to your front-page report, Terror trail (The Star, Jan 1 .
That international terrorist Hambali, an Indonesian national, could set up a terrorist network in this country with ease is indeed food for thought for the intelligence arm of our security forces.
It is indeed baffling that Hambali, a wanted criminal with a record of subversive activities in his country, could enter this country without the authorities scrutinising his background.
With the close co-operation of our Asean neighbours in dealing with criminals known for anti-national activities, it is indeed strange that Hambali could have slipped into this country unnoticed.
Given his ideological and political leanings he should be on the blacklist of Interpol to keep him under surveillance.
That he could settle in this country without arousing the suspicion of the authorities is disturbing and his being granted permanent residence after only four years is even more bewildering.
Despite being an alien he was successful in securing government projects at the expense of local contractors.
This should render those responsible for awarding the contracts to be placed under a microscope.
Their credibility and integrity and even patriotism should be under close scrutiny.
Hambali even had the audacity to receive military training overseas with the purpose of over-throwing the governments of this region by violent means while living in this country as a guest and quite comfortably too.
He also had the luxury of marrying a local Chinese Muslim and expanded his network of terrorist activity with the recruitment of religious extremists from the local populace attracted by his brand of religious warfare.
The ease with which he entered and left this country despite his dubious political history and his ability to avoid detection after such a lengthy stay here have somewhat dented the reputation of our intelligence agencies known for their prowess and expediency.
Hambali and his fellow countrymen would not have the ability to carry out their activities here without the support and cooperation of some of the local people and it is indeed incomprehensible that there are people who would rather turn their backs on peace for a path leading to destruction .
P.TOH,
Penang.
(via e-mail)
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