Terrorist activities in Malaysia

A recent video clip showing a group of men in military outfits with turbans, holding rifles, and leaving for a "jihad" in Syria found on Youtube has triggered a suspicion that the men speaking in Malay could be Malaysians.

A week ago, permanent representative of Syria to the United Nations in New York alleged that 15 Malaysian members of the militant Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that had involved in terrorist and jihadist activities in Syria were killed. Although their identities are yet identified, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has confirmed that the terrorist group is indeed recruiting Malaysians to join jihadist activities in Iraq or Syria. A suicide bomber who blew up some soldiers at Iraq’s SWAT headquarters in al-Anbar on May 26 was confirmed to be Malaysian Ahmad Tarmimi. Apparently, some Malaysians have involved in terrorist activities in foreign countries and the situation has reached an alarming status.

Malaysia has always been a safe heaven pursuing the principle of moderation and rejecting any acts of terrorism while forbidding its people from carrying out terrorist activities. Seeing from the recent arrest of 16 extremists, it is afraid that extremist groups have been active in the country for a long period of time, and already gained many supporters.

Utusan Malaysia reported in May that a military group has been recruiting young men in the forest for military training. The concept of "jihad" was instilled and those who found suitable were selected to join jihadist activities abroad. In addition, the police also found that some members of Somalia-based al-Shabab, which is believed to be linked to AL-Qaeda and other Somali military groups, has actually settled in the country, with an intention to recruit members and expand its forces. How long have these military groups been here and how many members have they recruited? It is afraid that the police needs to strengthen its efforts to uproot them.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was originally a branch of major terrorist organisation al-Qaeda but it later became independent as it is more radical. The Levant in its name covers Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and southern Turkey. Most of its members are allegedly from the Middle East, Western Europe and Southest Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. It attracts and recruits young members through social networking sites and instil extreme ideologies. Some young people who lack the awareness of religious fanatic or have alienation and hatred feelings for the society are easily confused and used.

Once they respond to the ISIL's propaganda and go to the Middle East for training, and participate in jihadist activities, they will become a source of unrest in our country as these young people who have received terrorist training are very likely to plan and launch terrorist attacks after returning to the country. For instance, some terrorist who had participated in jihadist activities in Syria had launched brutal terrorist attacks and killed innocent people after returning to Europe, proving their harm to the country and society.

If Malaysians participating in jihadist activities in Syria return and hide in every corner of the country, and continue preaching extremist ideology through religious gatherings to expand their influence, the consequences could be catastrophic. The police must rigorously examine and track Malaysians going or returning from countries like Syria, Iraq and Libya. When necessary, the passports of those suspected must be revoked or suspected foreign residents must be expelled.

Meanwhile, parents should pay close attention to their children's behaviours to prevent them from being influenced by extreme religious ideologies spread by terrorist groups on social networking sites and becoming innocent victims. In any case, the government must crackdown terrorist activities. In addition to safeguarding national security and preventing terrorists from launching terrorist attacks in the country, we must also avoid being labelled by the international community as a country harbouring or condoning terrorists that can tarnish the country's image.

Opinion translated by Soon Phui Jee from Sin Chew Daily