Kamunting (Malaysia), Sept 23: Malaysian authorities today extended the imprisonment of nine accused Islamic terror suspects, including the son of the spiritual leader of Malaysia's large Islamic Fundamentalist Party, for another two years. The suspects have spent two years in custody at the Kamunting prison camp in northern Malaysia under the Internal Security Act, which provides for detention without trial. They could have been freed today after serving two years, or ordered held another two years.

"They are still considered a threat to national security because of their militant thinking," a senior government official told the associated press on condition of anonymity. "The police made the recommendation to extend their detention, which was endorsed by the home minister."

Malaysian authorities contend that the nine belong to the Malaysian militant group, or KMM, a component of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group that wants to establish a pan-Islamic state in Southeast Asia and has strong links to al-Qaida.
Among the detainees is Nik Adli Nik Abdul Aziz, son of Nik Aziz Nik Mat, chief minister of Malaysia's northern state of Kelantan and spiritual leader of the pan-Malaysia Islamic Party, the country's main opposition group. Several other detainees are party members.


Officials believe Nik Adli "still harbours militant views and extremist Islamic teachings," the official told the newspersons.


Bureau Report