SINCE 2014, a spectrum of domestic, regional and transnational terrorist-based groups has increased and continues to threaten Malaysia. Following a series of major terrorist threats and some attacks, the government is substantially upgrading its counter-terrorism capabilities. These include implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the threats. Measures such as programmes on countering violent extremism, deradicalisation, rehabilitation and disengagement from terrorism have been implemented by the authorities tasked with neutralising the threats.
Malaysia-based Jemaah Islamiyah, Mantiqi 1, Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia and al-Qaeda networks supported by al Qaeda South Asia and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula terrorist groups initially operated in Malaysia and were Malaysia’s primary threats. The authorities were concerned about the threat they posed to regional stability, making ways for counterterrorism initiatives in Asean.
Malaysian authorities have established working groups regionally and globally in counterterrorism cooperation and recently engaged Saudi Arabia in assisting in its counter narratives campaign. The United States has long been a focal contributor to Malaysia in providing assistance and training to counter the threats of terrorism and programmes have been provided to the Malaysian government. These working relationships further Malaysia’s commitment to eradicate the threats. Over the years, Malaysia has been able to confine the threat within, but not completely.
Since 2014, the Islamic State (IS) has become Malaysia’s primary threat and supporters grew to more than 300, some of whom travelled to Iraq and Syria to join the group, and the remaining supporters in Malaysia were recruiting Muslim youths from higher learning institutions and infiltrating government agencies. The infiltration of IS and extremists into state-run organisations is now a reality.
The authorities have taken steps to curtail the threats of terrorism. Current policies derived from the legislative aspects of countering terrorism in Malaysia are based on Directive No. 18 (Revised) under the National Security Council Division. In 2011, the creation of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (ACT 747) further addressed this legislation. These new laws relate to security offences under the Penal Code of Chapter VI and VIA of the various criminal acts committed against state and terrorism-related offences.
With the increased threat of terrorism, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 and Terrorism in Foreign Countries Act 2015 were enacted to further address the threat. In line with these laws, Malaysia was also part of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, which came into force globally in 2001. This was initiated by the United Nations from its earlier Suppression of Financing of Terrorism law in 1999.
These laws provided means and procedures to address the threats of terrorism, radicalisation and extremism and allowed for detention and prevention of said threats within Malaysia and globally. Malaysia was also active in engaging in regional and international cooperation to counter the threats of terrorism in Asean and the UN International Conventions and Protocols on combating terrorism. At the UN General Assembly last year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pushed forward the implementation of a soft approach to curtail the threats of radicalisation and extremism.
More recently, the authorities have addressed terrorism with a two-pronged approach based on ideology and counterterrorism operations. Over the past year, the Royal Malaysian Police Counter Terrorism Unit has disrupted and captured a large number of terrorist suspects and were able to thwart many planned attacks.
It seems clear that the conventional strategy of countering terrorism-related activities is basically police work and intelligence sharing, which are key focus areas in anti-terror operations.
Malaysia’s international role in actively engaging in various international counterterrorism cooperation initiatives are clear indications of Malaysia’s will to counter these threats from further evolving and destabilising the country. Malaysia’s “hard” and “soft” counterterrorism measures are seen to discourage continued support of its population, especially the youth, for extremism.
Four key elements are needed in countering terrorism: reduction of the threat, readiness for the attack, response with appropriate resources and recovery to restore normal conditions. Other elements, which include social cohesion, prevention, engagement and specific intervention programmes, are core requirements.
Finally, vigilance and continually assessing vulnerabilities in a low-threat environment should be administered.
The writer is the Southeast Asia regional director for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professional-Centre for Security Studies, Kuala Lumpur, and is also a national security and counterterrorism expert