Thai minister defends Al Arqam

Tue, 20 Sep 1994, 00:00 WIB | Source: AFP

BANGKOK (AFP): Deputy Interior Minister Den Tohmeena has
defended the controversial Al Arqam Moslem sect, saying the group
not only caused no trouble in Thailand but had brought in
investments.

Den made his statements ahead of a two-day visit by Malaysian
Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim, whose government has banned Al
Arqam and arrested key leaders under the Internal Security Act
which allows detention without trial.

The arrests were made when Thailand deported Al Arqam leader
Ashaari Muhammad and top aides after Malaysia invalidated their
passports.

Den said Al Arqam was not illegal in Thailand and had "never
caused us any trouble during their stay," his secretary quoted
him as saying.

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