Islamic State watched me while I went jogging, says Ayob

Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay recounted his experiences in fighting terrorist cells during an interview. He mentioned that being head of counter-terrorism required him to constantly remain vigilant, especially when jogging at Taman Tasik Perdana. He knew that the Islamic State's principal coordinator for Malaysia was watching his movements, having recruited Malaysians through social media to spy on security personnel.

Ayob also stated that the Islamic State had tracked certain officers, including the inspector-general of police at the time, who was known to go for bike rides on Saturdays. He received information about this as part of a group that monitored the Islamic State's activities. Ayob detailed the additional security measures he had to take during his time in counter-terrorism, including using bulletproof vehicles and changing routes to avoid surveillance.

He also explained that he would eat facing away from others at restaurants to monitor their movements. Ayob attributed these security practices to techniques developed during the fight against the Malayan communist party in the 1950s and 1980s. He emphasized the need for specialized legal tools to combat major security threats, such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which has faced criticism and calls for repeal.

Ayob argued that Sosma was essential for addressing serious security threats like terrorism and organized crime, despite not advocating for the reinstatement of the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA). He highlighted that standard remand procedures under general criminal law were insufficient for large-scale terror operations involving multiple suspects.

Ayob stressed the importance of robust security laws in preventing communal tensions from escalating in Malaysia's diverse society, citing past racial clashes in Kampung Medan and Kampung Rawa as examples. He warned that politicians should prioritize long-term national safety over short-term political gains.