Malaysia arrests alleged black market nuclear agent

[dArKeR]

AP , KUALA LUMPUR
Sunday, May 30, 2004,Page 5

Malaysia's surprise arrest of a senior figure in disgraced Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan's nuclear proliferation network has prompted suggestions it was done to appease the US and protect the prime minister's son from further scandal.

A US State Department spokesman said Washington was "delighted" with the arrest of Buhary Syed Abu Tahir on Friday, three months after police cleared him of breaking any Malaysian laws for arranging for a company controlled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son to make centrifuge parts for Libya's nuclear programs.

Abdullah had earlier insisted there had been no wrongdoing and that Tahir, a Sri Lankan who holds Malaysian permanent residency, would remain free. Abdullah signed the order to arrest Tahir on Friday under a tough security law allowing for indefinite detention without trial.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/05/30/2003157524