Security tightened at SL Chancery in KL

• Steps to beef up security taken after LTTE-linked arrests 

Security for the official residence of the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and the Chancery premises in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has been strengthened, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Daily FT. 

The Royal Malaysian Police have alerted the Kuala Lumpur Police to strengthen security at both diplomatic premises in the wake of the recent arrests by Malaysian authorities of close to a dozen individuals who are suspected of having links to the LTTE. Two lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Action Party (DAP) were among those apprehended. 

Malaysian authorities claimed they detected “big amounts” that had been transferred among the 12 suspects who were detained last week by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division. Investigations are underway to ascertain if funds were transferred internationally. 

The arrests prompted criticism by some Malaysian parliamentarians. However, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had stated that he was satisfied with the explanation given to him by the Police. 

The Sri Lankan High Commission is closely monitoring developments and awaiting further information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia, a Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson revealed.