IGP rejects Anwar’s criticism on deporting 7 men to Egypt, Tunisia

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have dismissed a claim by Anwar Ibrahim criticising the decision to deport a group of foreign nationals accused of terrorism despite fears of them facing torture in their home countries.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun also denied that police had acted unilaterally in deporting the men, saying it was approved by the deputy public prosecutor.

“When we got the order from the DPP on the deportation, we carried it out immediately.

“We want to thwart their network and activities as soon as possible. It is a serious threat,” Fuzi told reporters today, reacting to Anwar’s statement yesterday claiming that the police failed to consult the relevant ministers on the matter including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Egypt and Tunisia accused of links to Ansar Al-Sharia Al-Tunisia, a North African-based organisation listed as a terrorist group by the United Nations.

The move drew protest from Amnesty International and other rights activists, who said the Egyptians could face torture and persecution.

Anwar accused the police of rushing into the deportation of the men.

“Malaysia must act based on accurate information and not depend on claims by foreign intelligence. We must be wary of countries that do no follow due process of law,” the PKR president said.

Fuzi defended the decision to deport them, saying it was right to do so.

“Some of them entered the country with fake documents and passports from other nations. We cannot compromise on matters of national security,” he said.

Fuzi however said police would report to the relevant authorities in similar cases in future. - FMT