'Unsettling' - PAS slams FBI for placing 3 NGO leaders on terrorism list
Published: Feb 23, 2024 10:53 AM
PAS has dubbed the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placing three local Islamic NGO leaders on the Terrorist Screening Center list as unsettling.
According to the Islamist party’s deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the trio’s placement on the list reeked of foreign interference.
"Although in a recent press conference, the home minister has confirmed that the three individuals were not involved in terrorism, it is still unsettling as it reeks of possible foreign interference.
"The FBI’s act of labelling the three NGO leaders as terrorists is part of the US’ continued efforts to oppose those who help Palestinians," Tuan Ibrahim (above) said in a statement yesterday.
He added that PAS was confident that the trio’s efforts in helping Muslims in war-torn Palestine were what caused them to land on the FBI watch list.
"Are they considered terrorists due to their humanitarian aid to Palestinian victims of tyranny? What about those who channel weapons and military aid to the Zionists to continue killing innocent children and women (in Palestine)?
"The world has to act fairly towards Muslims, particularly those in Palestine," he added.
‘Don't follow external lead'
Tuan Ibrahim said the coalition government should ensure it does not follow anyone else’s lead in matters pertaining to the country's security and sovereignty.
"The government must handle this issue independently without being influenced by any party," he added.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently confirmed that the three NGO leaders were not linked to terrorism.
According to him, checks revealed that the three individuals were among 359 members from 59 local NGOs that mobilised humanitarian aid in Gaza, Palestine.
Saifuddin said the US is drafting a bill aimed at blocking international funding for Hamas.
He stressed that Malaysia does not necessarily follow the FBI's guidance on the issue of preventing terrorism.
Previously, one of the three individuals - Abu Bakar Abdul - said he was baffled when the FBI linked him to terrorism.
Abu Bakar is the general manager of NGO Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam.
"He stressed that Malaysia does not necessarily follow the FBI's guidance on the issue of preventing terrorism."
ReplyDeleteEither the Minister of International Trade or Bank Negara Governor will need to school this Hamas Supporter that Malaysia doesn't have a lot of choice in the matter.
Watch what happens to Maybank or CIMB if they ever get sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for violating US anti-Terrrorism financing rules.
Hint : it will make the 1999 Financial Crisis look like a mild sneeze.