Press Digest: M'sians who joined IS seeking 'shortcut to martyrdom'

PETALING JAYA: Forty-six Malaysian militants who went to Syria to join the Islamic State (IS) are found to have the potential to be suicide bombers.
In an exclusive interview with Utusan Malaysia, Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division principal assistant director, SAC Datuk Ayub Khan Mydin Pitchay said it has become a trend for Malaysians to join the terror group as a "shortcut for martyrdom".
"Malaysians who joined the IS want to be martyrs when combating. But, but the matter of life and death is not decided by them.
"After a combat, they are badly injured but not dead. This matter would only strengthen their determination to become a martyr by volunteering themselves as the frontliner of a combat group, as well as, putting a high explosive weapon to themselves," Ayob Khan told the malay daily.
He added local males are more prone to become the 'frontliners' if compared to women and children.
"There are about 46 Malaysians still alive and 18 have been killed in combat, including seven which are identified as suicide bombers," Ayob Khan said.
He added one of the plus point for Malaysians is their communication skills, and that's why they are picked to become the "frontliners" of the combat group.
"Our countrymen are good in general knowledge including where religion is concerned. The ability to converse in English is deemed as an advantage," Ayob Khan said.