KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 13 -- Monitoring extremist or militant groups that exploit religion to justify suicide attacks is essential for the country's security.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the Special Branch's success in detecting and launching large-scale operations against Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) since December 2001 thwarted the group's violent plans in Malaysia.

He noted that JI's suicide attacks in Indonesia and planned attacks in Malaysia posed a clear threat to national security, according to a report published today in Harian Metro.

"Additionally, they aimed to overthrow the Malaysian government, which they deemed 'infidel,' through jihad 'qital' or a...