Expert says radical Islamic groups in Europe eye move to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR : An analysis by the Nordic Counter-Terrorism Network has found that several radical Islamist groups based in Europe are planning to relocate their operations to Malaysia, according to the network's director, Andrin Raj. However, he did not identify any group.
He said foreign Islamist radicals are drawn to establishing a foothold in Malaysia because of the widespread presence of radical ideologies in the country.
Andrin Raj.
'Foreign Islamist radicals are converging on Malaysia because they are aware of the country's weak policies in countering radicalism,' he told FMT. He said the current policies fail to address the symptoms and root causes for radicalism.
He said that political narratives that tolerate or even embrace radical ideologies create a safe haven in which these extremists can operate.
'Working with local and foreign intelligence agencies does not mean the threat can be curtailed if there is no political will to address racial and religious intolerance that is part of the radicalisation processes,' he said.
Last week, the home ministry announced the detention of 36 foreign nationals since April for alleged involvement in a militant radical movement and who were reportedly promoting extremist ideology linked to the radical Islamic State (IS) movement.
Raj said IS had been steadily expanding its influence in Southeast Asia in recent years, citing last year's attempted assassination of Pope Francis in Jakarta, allegedly linked to IS operatives, and the discovery of an IS-affiliated media portal in Malaysia that is accessible via the dark web.
Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin.
Separately, Universiti Teknologi Mara analyst Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the latest arrests underscore the need for controversial security laws such as the Prevention of Crime Act, the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.
'These laws are essential for the country to contain threats and maintain peace and order,' said Nirwandy, who is with the UiTM Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies
He called for enhanced intelligence operations on social media platforms, where radical groups continue to spread their ideology and recruit new followers.
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