KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 — Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has defended his decision to reveal the Islamic State (IS) threat in Malaysia despite knowing about it in March, saying it was necessary in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Paris, France.
At a press conference today, the Defence Minister said that he “deliberately” chose to reveal that Malaysian leaders were being targeted by IS as he wanted to create a sense of urgency back home and to ensure that such attacks did not happen here.
“I deliberately revealed this (now) because the Paris attack is worrying and I wanted to inject sense of urgency in national security, and also for all the parties to not take lightly the threat we are facing especially in the context of IS,” Hishammuddin told reporters.
When asked as to why the IS is now training its sights here, Hishammuddin said that it may be because of Malaysia’s strong stance against the militant group.
“Maybe because we have made a strong stance and brought ten Asean countries against them, and we are the moderate face of Islam which is not what they stand for,” he added.
News portal The Star Online quoted Hishamuddin yesterday as saying that he had received a report over how the terrorist group had targeted Malaysian leaders.
“I confirmed that ISIS want to target our leaders including myself but it will not scare us or stop us in fighting terrorism, not only in the country but the region as well.
“The information or threat from ISIS was made before the joint Asean Defence Ministers meeting held at Langkawi in March where all 10 nation agreed a joint effort in fighting terrorism,” he reportedly said.
Two days ago, it was reported that over 100 people were killed and more than 200 injured during attacks by terrorists on restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium in Paris.
