Police set up 'negotiator cell' to tackle terror threats

Police today launched a crisis negotiator team known as the “negotiator cell” which acts as a liaison between the government and terrorists if faced with any situation that threatens national security.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the special team, which has the concept of a “sleeper cell”, consists of those who are highly trained and experienced in the field of negotiation with terrorist groups.

He said it will be mobilised at the time of a crisis that threatens national security whether at home or abroad to act, collect and convey information to facilitate the crisis management team to make decisions.

“The team formed based on the National Security Council Directive No 18 (handling hijackers or terrorists) also needs to maintain relations with the terrorist side and find a peaceful solution without using violence.

“The negotiator’s main mission is to save the lives of hostages in a situation by implementing the best strategy, obtain intelligence during the negotiation process and deploy tactical moves when negotiations fail,” he said.

He said this during the launch of the “negotiator cell” in Bukit Aman today, which was also attended by National Security Council deputy director-general Baharuddin Ahmad, Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation director-general Mohd Razali Alias and Commander of the Negotiator Cell MV Srikumar Madhavan Nair.

According to Ayob, the establishment of the cell is also in line with the evolution of security threats and crimes that are becoming more complex and demands that police shore up the ability of skilled negotiators with professional expertise in dealing with the crisis of terrorism.

Ayob said the team, which is under the control of the inspector-general of police through the director of the Internal Security and Public Order Department, also comprises members from the Armed Forces and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

For now, he said the team has nine members and more will be recruited soon.

- Bernama

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