INTERVENTION BY
DATO’ HJ. ABDUL HALIM HJ. ABDUL RAHMAN
DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL (SECURITY)
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA
FOR SESSION III - THE GLOBAL THREAT LANDSCAPE: ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT AND EMERGING TRENDS
AT THE THIRD UNITED NATIONS HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF COUNTER-TERRORISM AGENCIES OF MEMBER STATES
20 JUNE 2023
Dear Co-Chairs, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have heard from the presentation today regarding the significant decrease in global terrorist-related incidents in recent years. This has been attributed to several factors, among them the COVID-19 pandemic which had resulted in limited movements and stricter border controls, as well as the continued and successful counter-terrorism efforts by countries against terrorist groups.
2. Notwithstanding the declining number of incidents and deaths, terrorism remains a major global threat. Allow me to make the following points:
3. First, far-right movement has rapidly emerged in recent years as a major terrorism concern. Largely defined as a specific ideology characterised by ‘anti-democratic opposition towards equality’, far-right extremism is often associated with racism, xenophobia, exclusionary nationalism, conspiracy theories, and authoritarianism. Some have even suggested the relationship between the far-right extremism and the ‘counter-jihad’ movement.
4. The Southeast Asian region has not been spared from the threat of far-right terrorism. This threat is particularly worrisome as it could easily incite and spread racial and religious hatred and tensions, and lead to acts of terror perpetrated either by these groups or by so-called lone wolves.
5. The Internet and social media have sadly been misused to bolster the ranks of and foster international links among these right-wing extremists. As a region with a particularly dynamic social media market, our youths could easily be exposed to harmful narratives from terrorist and extremist supporters and sympathizers. To tackle this, an enhanced and robust cooperation with the private sector operators of these online platforms is crucial to ensure that these online spaces are free and safe from these harmful and hateful messaging.
6. Second, deradicalisation is a key element of Malaysia’s counter-terrorism and violent extremism prevention strategy. Apart from facilitating the recovery and reintegration into mainstream society of former foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), these deradicalisation programmes also have the benefit to reduce the further spread of extremist propaganda that threatens social stability at both national and international levels.
7. In terms of legislative instruments, Malaysia has tried and convicted offenders for various felonies related to terrorism. Malaysia is committed to preventing and combating all facets of terrorism as it takes the adage of “security for one is security for all” seriously. Malaysia will continue to prosecute offenders for acts of terrorism in the future.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
8. The scourge of terrorism continues to affect international peace. It is with continued urgency that we must take a united, cohesive and sustained action in denying terrorists and extremists the opportunity to spread their ideologies.
9. To conclude, Malaysia reiterates its commitment to cooperate constructively in combatting terrorism and countering violent extremism, and to contribute to the global peace and security.
I thank you, Co-Chairs.