'Many' terrorists in our midst

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein revealed that the two Malaysians arrested in Lebanon over suspicion of being terrorists have been under the government’s surveillance and intelligence since a year ago.

“We are only revealing it now after the arrests were made in Lebanon,” he said to reporters when met at the Parliament lobby today.

When asked why the government had not taken any action as the suspects were under their scrutiny since last year, Hishammuddin said they wanted to wait for the ‘right time’.

“Well I mean… this is for the intelligence bodies to take action, when the timing is right.

“Mat Selamat (a fugitive) was at large for eight months before action was taken so that we can gather more information,” he explained.

When asked how many more individuals were under the government’s radar, Hishammuddin replied there were ‘many’. He however stopped short from revealing if they were all Malaysians or other nationals who are deemed a ‘threat’ to the country.

“But the government has it under control. We have sufficient laws to deal with militants and acts of terrorism,” he added.

Razif Mohamad Ariffin, 28, and Mohamad Razin Shahar Mustapha Kamal, 21 were detained in a hotel in Beirut for alleged links to an Al-Qaeda militant group.

Razif was arrested in Yemen in 2010 and deported to Malaysia where he is believed to have met Razin.

Their case is set for mention at the Military Tribunal in Beirut, today.