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Malaysia revokes passports of 68 IS militants
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Militants of the Islamic State group hold up their weapons and wave its flags on their vehicles in a convoy on a road leading to Iraq, while riding in Raqqa city in Syria. (Militant website via AP/-)
The passports of 68 Malaysians, who are abroad, have been revoked due to their involvement with the Islamic State (IS).
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that intelligence information had confirmed their involvement with the militant group.
“They no longer have travel documents as Malaysian citizens and if they return to our country legal action in line with the Immigration Act will be initiated against them,” Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, told reporters on Sunday.
He said the passports were cancelled two weeks ago after Prime Minister Najib Razak ordered it.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said those who left the country to go and serve the militant group did not deserve to come back home.
Ahmad Zahid added that no compromises would be made for those who betrayed their country and people.
“We will disown them,” said Ahmad Zahid, who added that the government did not want any ideological criminals in Malaysia
He narrated how a family each from Shah Alam and Ipoh, with young children, had sold their properties and belongings and moved to Syria to serve IS.
“But what they are doing now is washing toilets and sweeping roads there.
“I have photos to prove it,” he added.
According to Ahmad Zahid, he has received messages that they regretted their move and wanted to come home.
“But the Cabinet has decided to cancel their passports,” he added.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said the relevant authorities were currently in search of eight out of the 10 grenades that were in the hands of a militant group which had launched an attack here in the Klang Valley recently.
Two of the bombs were set off at the Movida Restaurant in Puchong on June 28.
He said the police and the military were tracking down the militants and the eight grenades that were in their possession.
“We do not know when and where the next incident is going to take place but we are lucky that the police Counter Terrorism Division and the armed forces, who have been doing a great job in taking care of security, are hunting them down.
“Steps are also being taken to tighten security measures in the country.”
Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno vice president, also initiated a motion at the delegates meeting to prevent IS activities from creeping into the country.
