Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia would be a violent country if it was to emulate the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organisation. — AFP pic

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 16 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today condemned the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist organisation and said Malaysia would be a violent country if it was to emulate them.

“This is a very dangerous development because these people are violent and we have seen pictures of them executing people and being very violent.

“There is no place for violence in Islam, Islam is a religion of peace but some people have interpreted Islam in the wrong way,” he said an event at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.

On June 24, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak called on Umno members to emulate the bravery of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, that defeated an Iraqi force outnumbering it nearly 30 to one if the Malay nationalist party wants to survive.

“As proof — whether we agree or not is another matter — the group ISIL with the strength of just 1,300 people, can defeat an Iraqi army of 30,000 soldiers, until four, five generals with three, four stars run for their lives, jump out the window at night. Why? Because they are afraid of those who are brave,” he said during a dinner to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its Cheras branch.

Two days later however, the Prime Minister’s office issued a statement claiming the quote was taken out of context.

The statement stressed that Malaysia classifies ISIL as a terrorist organisation and has arrested suspected ISIL members in the country.

Neighbouring Indonesia has banned the terrorist group, declaring any support for it as illegal.

Today, without stating whether or not Malaysia should follow Indonesia’s footstep, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia would be a violent place if it copies the organisation.

“I don’t know what the Malaysian government would do.

“The other day Najib mentioned that we should copy ISIS. I don’t know if he knew what he was saying but I think if we copy ISIS, this country will not be stable. It will be very violent,” he said.