A deadly combination

KUALA LUMPUR: An unsound mind and the influence of militancy can be a lethal combination which the authorities fear may pose a threat to public safety.
Experts say the individuals in question are those who suffer bouts of insanity due to psychiatric conditions but are otherwise healthy and have the ability to "think straight" most times.
Prominent criminologist associate professor Dr P. Sundramoorthy told theSun that manic conditions such as bipolar disorder could leave one vulnerable to the unthinkable.
"The condition leaves the person with a split personality – the normal and deranged mind. How they behave during adverse times varies from person to person. Some are harmless and non-violent while others may be aggressive. The minds of such psychiatric patients can be easily swayed and influenced. It is very possible they can be coaxed by extremist groups into executing ethically and morally wrong acts." said the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer.
He said on recovering and resuming their normal selves, bipolar disorder sufferers were often aware of their wrongdoings and were fearful and remorseful.
Sundramoorthy was commenting on queries on a case of a doctor who went amok at a Hindu temple in Ipoh on April 24 and caused extensive damage to religious statues.
"Only a meticulous evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist can determine if he really suffers mental illness. If this truly is the case, then such patients should be monitored constantly by their families as it is unsafe to leave them on their own.
"They are prone to high-risk behaviour and there is no guarantee they will not repeat the act. It will be a life-long effort to keep tabs on them and controlling their condition with medication as there is no cure for psychiatric illness. Undoubtedly, such patients who are exposed to militant ideologies can pose a security risk to the public," said Sundramoorthy.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told theSun that police were particularly concerned about militant group sympathisers who suffered mental illness as they were capable of pulling off violent acts as "lone wolves".
"It is indeed a deadly combination. We have constantly warned that the IS should never be underestimated.
"They can influence their followers to do the unthinkable such as blowing themselves up."
If the minds of healthy people can be poisoned, what more the weaker ones and those who suffer illness that cause double personality such as bipolar disorder?
"This is why we urge families to constantly be watchful of the movements and activities of their loved ones especially if they are afflicted with mental health conditions. If you know they have such manic tendencies, get medical help. Do not allow them to move around unsupervised as their personal safety and that of others is at risk." he said.
On Friday, a 29-year-old doctor identified as Fathi Munzir Nadzri was charged at the Ipoh sessions court for damaging the statues under Section 295 of the Penal Code and for possessing a parang under Section 6 of the Corrosive, Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
He pleaded not guilty and the court ordered him to be sent to the Tanjung Rambutan psychiatric hospital near Ipoh for a mental health evaluation He was allowed bail of RM1,000 pending the outcome of the hospital's report.
The man who is the son of former Manjoi assemblyman Datuk Nadzri Ismail had quit his job as a houseman at a government hospital just two days before he allegedly ran amok.
He was also reported to have carried two flags resembling symbols of the Islamic State (IS) terror group during the attack.