The Memo: 2 Sep—8 Sep 2024
The Memo from 2 Sep—8 Sep 2024: Summary of incidents, ranging from terrorism, covert actions, organised crimes, regional conflicts to cybersecurity incidents.
In brief:
- Police monitor Global Ikhwan for alleged child exploitation, deviations.
- Man denies supporting IS, facing charges under Penal Code.
- Seven arrested for threatening Pope Francis during Indonesia visit.
- Pakistani man arrested for planning mass shooting targeting Jews.
- Malaysia continues oil exploration despite China’s territorial claims.
- Suspected gang member shot dead in police raid in Selangor.
- Police find no evidence linking politician to Myanmar trafficking syndicate.
- Putrajaya halts controversial public DNS redirection plan after backlash.
Terrorism and insurgency
- Malaysia
The Malaysian police are monitoring Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd, suspecting child exploitation for religious purposes. Authorities are investigating the company under the Child Act 2001, alleging it uses charity homes to solicit donations. Global Ikhwan is one of eight organisations the Special Branch and Islamic authorities are watching for deviant practices. The company's former chairman, Ashaari Muhammad, previously founded Al-Arqam, a controversial with unorthodox eschatological beliefs. Since 2022, police have arrested 122 people in connection with deviationist teachings.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Sani Mahdi Sahar, a 31-year-old gardener previously jailed under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, pleaded not guilty in the High Court to charges of supporting the Islamic State (IS) and possessing related materials. He allegedly promoted IS through a Facebook page and possessed images linked to the group. The charges, under Sections 130J(1)(a) and 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, carry potential sentences of up to 40 years and seven years respectively.
- Indonesia
Jakarta police arrested seven individuals for making threats against Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia. The suspects had issued threats on social media, including calls for attacks, church burnings, and bombings. These arrests took place early September in various regions of Indonesia. The suspects had shared propaganda and threats linked to IS, with some displaying IS logos and symbols. The authorities are still investigating the motivations behind these threats and their connections to terror networks. - Canada
Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen residing in Canada, was arrested in Quebec while allegedly attempting to cross into the U.S. to carry out a mass shooting targeting Jewish citizens in Brooklyn, New York. U.S. authorities claim he had been planning the attack for October 7, the anniversary of a significant Hamas attack, and had expressed support for IS. Khan had been in contact with undercover agents, discussing weapons acquisition and the logistics of the attack. He is facing terrorism charges and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. for prosecution.
Defence, conflict and unrests
- South China Sea
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed Malaysia's commitment to continue oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, asserting these activities occur within Malaysian waters. This stance comes despite China's protest note claiming territorial encroachment. Anwar emphasised that Malaysia aims to protect its economic interests rather than provoke conflict, signalling a preference for diplomatic resolutions to preserve its valuable economic ties with China. The dispute gained public attention when a Filipino media outlet, Inquirer, published a leaked Chinese diplomatic note objecting to Malaysian activities near Sarawak.
Organised Crimes, Gangs, and Syndicates
- Malaysia
An African national, suspected to be part of a robbery gang, was shot dead during a police raid in Puchong Jaya, Selangor. The suspect fired at the police, prompting them to return fire. Police found two machetes, a fake licence plate, counterfeit money, and a counterfeit UNHCR card in the apartment. The man was linked to a gang involved in recent shootouts and arrests. Efforts are underway to track down the remaining gang members.
In a separate case, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain reported that investigations have found no concrete evidence linking a politician and her spouse to a Myanmar-based human trafficking syndicate. Scrutiny of bank accounts and witness statements revealed no foreign investments by the couple. Although they did visit Myanmar to explore real estate opportunities, they made no investments. The police have shifted their focus to a Datuk Seri suspected of recruiting investors for the syndicate. Investigators are also probing potential connections to two Chinese businessmen.
Cybersecurity and unlawful access
- Malaysia
Putrajaya has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to suspend its plan requiring all internet service providers to implement public DNS redirection by September 30, following public controversy. The initiative aimed to curb illegal online activities but raised concerns about censorship and freedom of information, with some drawing parallels to China’s Great Firewall. [An Insight will be issued].
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