Najib condemns Islamic State militants

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today broke his silence over the Islamic State militants‎ in Syria and Iraq, and condemned their actions in the Middle East.

"Malaysia strongly condemns the actions of the Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq," he said in a five-paragraph statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the crimes committed in the name of Islam, a religion of peace.

"We deplore those responsible, and call on the international community to act in concert to prevent further violence."

In June, Najib courted controversy when he told Umno to emulate the bravery of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) militants if the Malay nationalist party wanted to survive.

He told more than 1,000 Umno members during a dinner that the militant group had defeated an Iraqi army which outnumbered it nearly 30 to one.

But, Najib said today the militants' actions ran counter to the Islamic faith and culture, and humanity.

"They are against the teachings of the Prophet, a man of peace and moderation; and against Islamic law, which prizes the protection of life above all.

"Around the world, the majority of Muslims seek to live their lives free from violence. We do not recognise the vision of our faith being forced on innocent civilians… whether Sunni, Shia or Christian… over the barrel of a gun."

Isis comprised of Sunni ‎fighters who wish to establish an Islamic caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Since the conflict in Syria erupted in March 2011, more than 190,000 fatalities have been reported, said the United Nations.

It said on Sunday the terrorist organisation ‎were committing "grave, horrific human rights violations" daily, including targeted killings, trafficking, sexual abuse, abductions, and forced conversions.

"Muslims around the world have watched in horror as a new conflict tears into Syria and Iraq. As reports of mass executions and killings of civilians surface, and graphic evidence of‎ brutality emerges, we have been appalled," Najib said today.‎

‎“When states fail, or are broken by war, extremists see opportunity. They prey on the differences between people, using faith as a cover for atrocities. But they do not speak for us.‎"

He urged the public to fight the extremism with moderation, and work to rebuild the bonds between communities shattered by the war.

The Malaysian Insider reported today that Malaysian women are believed to have joined Isis forces to offer Jihad Al-Nikah or sexual jihad.

Authorities confirmed that three Malaysian women have journeyed to the Middle East to join up with Isis forces.

Jihad Al-Nikah refers to a controversial concept where Sunni women allegedly offer themselves in sexual comfort roles to fighters for the establishment of Islamic rule.

The concept originated from a Wahhabi edict around 2013, that called for Sunni women supporters to come forward for sex jihad and boost the morale of fighters battling against Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.‎‎

"This concept may seem controversial but it has arisen as certain Muslim women here are showing sympathy for the Isis struggle," an intelligence official told The Malaysian Insider.

So far, three Malaysians have reportedly died in Syria while fighting against the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Mat Soh, 52, was reportedly killed after being hit by a tank shell during fierce fighting between Isis and Syrian forces last week.

In June, 26-year-old Ahmad Tarmimi Maliki died after a suicide incident which killed more than 20 Iraqi soldiers at their base in al-Anbar in May.
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The identity of the third Malaysian who perished in the incident has yet to be confirmed by authorities.

On Sunday, Wisma Putra said Putrajaya considers Isis to be a terrorist organisation and does not condone any of its activities, adding that police have been weeding out members of the group as well as sympathisers.

"It has been revealed that some Malaysians have been influenced to support Isis, joining this group of extremists to wage jihad," Wisma Putra, otherwise known as the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said in a statement.

"Since the beginning of the year, authorities have conducted operations to arrest Malaysians or foreigners living here who have been involved in alleged terrorist activities."

Between January and June this year, Malaysian police arrested 19 people including two women for involvement in militancy.

Police also revealed that at least 50 Malaysians are currently believed to be in Syria, fighting alongside Isis forces.

Wisma Putra acknowledged police concerns about the possible threats posed by Malaysian jihadists, saying Putrajaya was monitoring such activities.

"Putrajaya has always been on the alert concerning activities and threats which could be detrimental to internal security and public order." – August 27, 2014.