Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expresses deep concern over school teenagers’ involvement in terrorist activities, urging national vigilance against foreign interference
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today voiced serious concern over the involvement of school teenagers in terrorist group activities in the country.
He said the recent revelation by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail about this phenomenon demands serious attention. Anwar suggested the involvement may stem from improper upbringing or exposure at a certain level.
“Just recently, school children, teenagers, were involved in preparations for terrorist activities as announced by the IGP,” he said during a meeting with staff of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living here.
He stated this indicates a trend possibly arising from “wrong education or wrong exposure.”
Previously, Mohd Khalid said police had thwarted an attempt to revive a terrorist group’s ideology with the arrest of six teenagers, including three minors, in a recent special operation.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 21, were detained in a two-day operation starting Feb 14 in the Klang Valley, Johor, Kedah and Terengganu.
Anwar also called on Malaysians to remain united and safeguard the current peace.
He warned that although the country is peaceful, people must not be complacent and defence agencies must stay prepared for any eventuality.
“There are foreign schemes driven by jealousy that want to interfere in our national political affairs. This should make us more vigilant,” he said.