PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia knew that a Singaporean terror suspect fled to the country months ago, but allowed him to remain free so he might lead the authorities to other militants, an official said yesterday.

Mas Selamat Kastari was captured in Johor on April 1, more than a year after he escaped from Singapore. Officials were aware he had fled to Malaysia from 'the moment he came to our country', Malaysian Home Ministry Secretary-General Mahmood Adam said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Police monitored his movements instead of arresting him immediately, because 'the most important (thing) sometimes is not the particular target' but his network, Mr Mahmood said.

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