Calls To Combat Militant Groups Comprehensively

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The new legislation proposed to eradicate militant and terrorist activities was described as a proactive action to curb Malaysians from getting involved in such activities. Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the phenomenon of jihadists currently taking place could not be equated with earlier militant groups such as Abu Sayyaf, Nordin Mat Top and so on. "Nonetheless, what has been tabled by the prime minister today (Wednesday), is a major relief and is timely in our efforts to flush out extremism among the people," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby. He was commenting on the tabling of a White Paper to combat threats posed by the so-called IS militant group (IS) by Prime Minister Najib Razak, which was later passed by the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament) Wednesday. Various proposals on the new legislation were put forward during the tabling of the paper. Hishammuddin said the Malaysian Armed Forces would step up security measures through asset and troop placement at strategic locations nationwide to curb the spread of militant activities. Meanwhile, Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (PKR-Kuala Langat) said the modus operandi of militant forces was getting craftier and should be stamped out comprehensively. "A special law and guidelines, with the interest of the people and younger generation should be established to ensure militant activities are eliminated," he said. Sapawi Ahmad Wasali (BN-Sipitang) said the capture of several Malaysians involved in this militant group should be alarming enough to warrant the new act. He said the multicultural and multireligious community of Malaysia could be abused by this militant movement to spread their extremist ideologies. For Mohd Johari Baharum (BN-Kubang Pasu), the intrusion incident which occurred at the Malaysian border should open the eyes of all parties on the dangers of militant activities against the peace and sovereignty of the country. According to him, the subtle propaganda by militant groups such as IS which claimed to be struggling in the name of Islam could easily influence the thoughts of many. "The time has come for us to create an act on the matter as it involves our citizens...Malaysia is also threatened with this militant issue," he said. Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Terengganu) said the formulation of new laws could also be used as a missionary platform. "Through the new act, we need to stress to all Malaysians, especially Muslims, to take a more prudent and wise approach and not with violence in disseminating any ideology," he said. -- BERNAMA