overseas media on Falun Gong

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have arrested 24 suspected followers of an extremist Muslim cult in a nationwide sweep, days after an armed confrontation with the military in a jungle camp, reports said yesterday.

Bankers, computer systems analysts and teachers were among those detained throughout Malaysia over the past three days.

Investigations into the cult will continue, The Star newspaper yesterday quoted police inspector-general Norian Mai as saying.

Twenty-seven members of the Al-Ma'unah, or Brotherhood of Inner Power, surrendered on Thursday after a four-day standoff with about 1,000 troops and police surrounding their jungle hideout.

The cultists, led by several ex-military men, raided two armouries in northern Malaysia on July 2, stealing more than 100 assault rifles, rocket launchers and light machine guns.

Before surrendering on Thursday, they tortured and killed two of their four hostages.

Al-Ma'unah members claim to possess mystical powers of invincibility, gained through exercises and meditation. Some believe they can overcome enemies by staring at them.

The group espouses jihad, or holy war, and promotes martial arts.

In the days following the Al-Ma'unah confrontation - Malaysia's worst security crisis in years - authorities said they have identified dozens of other Islamic groups claiming to have mystical powers.

The Al-Ma'unah incident has been troubling for Malaysia's leaders, who have continuously tried to discourage extremism in this predominantly Muslim country.