Malaysia continues monitoring LTTE-linked photos and videos

The Royal Malaysian Police will not discount any piece of evidence linking several individuals, including politicians, to the LTTE following the circulation of related videos and photos on social media, the 'Star Online' reported today.

Malaysian Police’s Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) Chief Deputy Commissioner Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the police were aware of photos and videos of Malaysian politicians attending LTTE-linked events making their rounds on social media.

“We are monitoring the situation but we can’t jump to conclusions based on photos and videos being circulated. We are conducting a thorough investigation and if there is enough evidence, we will make the necessary arrests,” he said.

The E8 is also in close contact with their Sri Lankan counterparts in sharing of intelligence, especially in curbing terrorism threats, DCP Mydin Pitchay added.

“We are aware of the latest operation in Sri Lanka, which led to the arrest of a prominent LTTE member,” he said.

Sharing of intelligence between security agencies of different countries was vital towards combating the threat of terrorism, he added. Sri Lankan media reported that police raided a safe house operated by a prominent LTTE member in Ambalamkulam and recovered a haul of explosives and firearms last Friday

The 36-year-old LTTE member Joseph Peter Robinson, who has not undergone rehabilitation, was arrested by the army near the Kilivetti bridge in the Serunuwara police area with a T-56 assault rifle and was handed over to the Kilinochchi police for further investigations on the same day.

In Malaysia, 12 men, including two DAP assemblymen have been detained since Thursday for alleged LTTE links. Malaysian Police is also tracing the money trail, believed to be used in efforts to revive the terror group.

The LTTE was deemed as a terrorist group given their actions in Sri Lanka as well as the illegal collecting of funds for their movement.

In Malaysia, LTTE was labelled as a terrorist organisation under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act in February 2014. This coincides with Sri Lanka, the USA, Canada, India and the EU, which have labelled LTTE as a terror outfit.