Expert: Use lie detectors to find Sabah moles

Criminologist Akhbar Satar moots regular random polygraph tests on those with access to security information in eastern Sabah

PETALING JAYA: A criminologist has urged the authorities to use polygraph technology to weed out moles which may be sabotaging the efforts of security forces in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSzone).

Akhbar Satar, who is also Transparency International Malaysia president, told FMT that a special team should be formed immediately to investigate allegations of information leaks.

Akhbar, who is a qualified forensic polygraph examiner, said that polygraph tests (commonly called lie detector tests) could be used to help identify the culprits.

The authorities could begin with those privy to sensitive information. “Not everyone will have the information to be leaked to cross-border criminals, so the authorities can narrow down the potential suspects, if indeed there is a leak.”

He said it would be wise to conduct random polygraph tests on security forces personnel serving in the ESSzone

“There can be no compromise when it comes to national security,” said Akhbar, who also runs the Polygraph Science Academy Malaysia.

Akhbar said there were sufficient certified polygraph examiners in the police and armed forces to do this.

He said polygraph tests were an efficient and effective way to screen personnel for intelligence purposes and for screening potential recruits, adding it was widely used in Singapore, Israel and the United States of America.

“A polygraph instrument measures several physiological indices such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while the subject is asked and answers a series of questions.”

“It is one of the most accurate tools to detect whether you are telling the truth or not, with an average accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent.”

He also said if security forces personnel knew that random polygraph tests were being conducted, they would think twice before committing any offence, including leaking information to third parties.

The Malaysian Armed Forces are reported to be investigating a possible leak of information on security operations in Eastern Sabah.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, who is director-general of the National Security Council, said it was possible that kidnappers of fishermen and seamen were aware of the locations of patrolling ships.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said on Wednesday that it was possible that there had been information leaks, resulting in rampant kidnappings in the area.