DPM Zahid: Turkish suspects to be deported back to country of origin only

PUTRAJAYA: The government will not entertain requests by the families of the two detained Turkish suspects for them to be deported to other countries, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said it was the government's responsibility to send them back to their country of origin.
"Why do we have to burden other countries instead?" he asked reporters after officiating the Home Ministry's monthly assembly, here, today.
Stating that Ainnurul Aishah Yunos Ali Maricar, wife of Ihsan Aslan, is unaware of her husband's involvement in activities and correspondence related to Daesh (Islamic State) terrorist group, Ahmad
Zahid said the case and steps including subsequent deportation procedures are being left to the police to deal with.
"For the wives and their children, don't worry as we (Home Ministry) will continue to negotiate with the Turkish Embassy for them to be deported back to the country as well.
"We are humane though. If the wives and children (of the Turkish suspects) are not guilty, they will not be punished but it would be more appropriate we deport them to Turkey," he said.
Ahmad Zahid reiterated that the families can still choose to stay in Malaysia if they qualify for a resident pass or have multiple entry visa.
His comments came after Ainnurul Aishah called on the authorities not to deport her husband back to Turkey.
Last week, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that Turkish nationals Aslan and Turgay Karaman who were initially feared to be abducted, were actually detained under Section 130 of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to national security.
A third Turkish national in his 40s was also arrested subsequently in Pahang on May 4 for allegedly being a threat to national security.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid said an honorary member of the Malaysian People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) has been detained for allegedly selling his honorific rank to the public.
Without revealing much details, Ahmad Zahid said the Rela member from the southern part of the Peninsula is expected to be investigated by the department.
"The buyers who were from Sabah had paid almost several thousand ringgit to the member and they came forward to lodge a complaint at the Rela headquarters.
"We (Rela) have obtained receipts as proof of payment made from the sale," he added.
Stating that there were 20 cases previously, Ahmad Zahid said buyers were willing to pay at least RM10,000 to RM30,000 to obtain the Rela powers that come with the rank.
"If the public is aware of any individuals who pays for the rank and position in Rela, please come forward immediately to lodge a police report," he added.
During the same event, Ahmad Zahid also launched the Immigration Authority Card.
Present at the gathering were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Alwi Ibrahim and Immigration director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.