Rohan: Msia targeted by al-Qaeda since January

comments     Yap Mun Ching     Published     Updated

Terrorism expert Dr Rohan Gunaratna was the target of strong criticism from Malaysian leaders when his book, Inside al-Qaeda: Global network of terrorism , was cited as the source of a United Nations report linking Barisan Nasional with al-Qaeda via ties with a southern Filipino separatist group.

However, Rohan stands by his assertions, describing his book as a "bold statement" which no one had disputed.

Here last Friday to speak at the invitation of Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis), he shares with malaysiakini some of his findings about the real threat of terrorism in the region, particularly Malaysia.

Last week, the US issued a warning that al-Qaeda's next target is Malaysia but police have said that it is baseless. So how real is this threat?

I think the US warning must be taken seriously. It is because the US warning is based on credible information. However, the US that considers Malaysia as an ally should have discussed this matter privately first with Malaysia before issuing a public warning.

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