Sunday, 28 October 2012 18:22

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Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. Pix: The Malaysian InsiderKLUANG: The Home Ministry is investigating the background of the two Malaysian nationals who were arrested in Beirut by the Lebanese authorities on Oct 18 on suspicion of having links with the al-Qaeda terrorist group.

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that initial investigations confirmed that the two men, identified as Rafik Mohammed Aaref dan Mohammed Razin Shaaban, had no direct link with militant Islamic groups in this region like Jemaah Islamiah and Darul Islam.

He said that the ministry was already in touch with its counterparts and foreign intelligence to obtain more in-depth information about the duo for further action.

When asked which part of Malaysia the two suspects were from and whether they were students studying in Lebanon, Hishammuddin remained tight-lipped and refuse to disclose further.

"We have more information than that about the two men but it is still too early to release it to the public," Hishammuddin, who is also Sembrong MP, told reporters after attending a mass cow sacrificing ceremony in line with Hari Raya Aidiladha in Kampung Gajah, Kahang some 15 minutes from here.

The two, aged 21 and 28, suspected of being suicide bombers, were nabbed at Beirut International Airport.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said in a press statement Saturday that the two suspects had been brought to the Military Court in Beirut on Oct 25 where the charges were read to them.

The two are scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.

“At this juncture, the case is still being investigated by the Lebanese authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the case.

“The Malaysian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon is taking action to meet the two Malaysian nationals and provide consular advice. The families of the two suspects have also been informed of their arrest.

“Malaysia does not condone terrorism or extremism by any group that may compromise the security of any country and its people, and fully respects the laws of Lebanon,” he said.