Principal assistant director of the Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) of the Special Branch Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay speaks during a press conference at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur October 13, 2019. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Deputy Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay clarified today he did not state that no other DAP leaders would be arrested on suspicion of links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Bukit Aman’s Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division (E8) chief said he was unclear if anyone else gave DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng such an assurance or if the latter came to the conclusion personally.

Ayob stressed, however, that investigations would continue without fear or favour.

“I never issued any statement saying we will stop investigations. Maybe someone else said it, I am not sure.

“There is no reason why we should stop our investigations. Is it because if it involves DAP, we have to stop investigations? No. Nothing from me,” he said.

On Thursday, Ayob confirmed that two DAP assemblymen were among five people arrested on suspicion of supporting the LTTE.

Lim, who is the finance minister, reportedly said he was informed that no other DAP leaders were among those still to be arrested in the case.

“I was also informed that whilst more people will be arrested for alleged links to LTTE, no more leaders or wakil rakyats from DAP will be targeted,” Malaysiakini reported him saying in a statement.

Lim said that the arrests were shocking, claiming to have expressed to the police that his party believed in the innocence of its two assemblymen, reportedly after a briefing from the police.

“Their involvement in the DAP so far has shown no indication that the two were involved in any activities that departed from the party’s stand of moderation, non-violence and peaceful resolution,” he was quoted saying.

Last Thursday, Ayob confirmed that Seremban Jaya assemblyman P. Gunasekaren and Gadek assemblyman G. Saminathan were among five people arrested on suspicion of supporting the LTTE.

The LTTE was a separatist group that had been active in Sri Lanka until it was officially defeated in 2009. It has been classified as a terrorist group by 32 countries including Malaysia, which did so in 2014.

Since last week, police have detained 12 people in a crackdown against LTTE-linked organisations and individuals.