KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic State-linked former commando, who was arrested in Saudi Arabia, was found to be mentally unstable before being discharged from the Armed Forces.
Sources revealed that the 29-year-old, who hails from Perak, had been showing signs of mental instability before his eventual discharge about 18 months ago.
“He served with the army for 10 years but showed signs of being mentally unstable towards the end of his tenure.
“The authorities are still investigating whether his mental condition was the reason behind his discharge,” the source told The Staryesterday.
Prior to his trip to the Middle East, the man had even divorced his wife, as if preparing to leave Malaysia behind for a life of militancy in Saudi Arabia. The couple had no children.
“He also donated some of his savings to supposed militant causes while frequently conversing with suspected militants on Facebook,” the source revealed.
It is learnt that the suspect met a militant contact upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Dec 15. He had accompanied his father there for umrah but went missing on Dec 18, the day they were due to return.
Saudi authorities arrested him on Dec 28.
“Given his commando training and mental instablity, the man is considered much more dangerous as he is unpredictable.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that his ministry would look into the matter closely as the trend of Armed Forces personnel joining the IS was worrying.
“I am aware of the case of the former commando and we are working closely with the police.
“We will not tolerate any personnel joining the terror group,” he said.
He added that the ministry would work closely with international intelligence agencies to prepare for any eventuality.
In an exclusive report, The Star reported that the commando was among 135 IS-linked militants detained by Saudi authorities in Riyadh.
Sources: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/01/10/Excommando-linked-to-IS-was-mentally-unstable/
The Star - Malaysia - FARIK ZOLKEPLI
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