KOTA KINABALU: The local population, particularly the young generation have been urged to unite in blocking militant Islamist ideology being promoted by groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal advised the people to reject such ideology as it could destroy peace and harmony.
“Don’t be misled or drawn to their purported call for jihad,” he said while launching the state-level Rural Entrepreneurs Mini Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shafie who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister hoped that security forces in the state would reinforce their vigilance, to enhance the people’s sense of security.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier said that the Royal Malaysian Police had identified 39 Malaysians including a woman suspected to be involved in militant activities.
They had allegedly joined groups like the Islamic State (IS), Jabhat Al Nusra and Ajnad Al Sham, which used al-Quran verses and ‘jihad’ to woo their targets. — Bernama