STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL ARRIA-FORMULA MEETING ON
ENHANCING THE CAPACITIES OF MEMBER STATES TO ENSURE A GENDER-
RESPONSIVE APPROACH TO COUNTER-TERRORISM
26 JUNE 2023
Madam President,
Malaysia conveys its appreciation to Malta and fellow co-sponsors for convening the important meeting, and the briefers for their valuable insights.
Today’s briefing reaffirms that the elevated threat of terrorism continues to be a grave concern. Malaysia joins other delegations in strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations irrespective of where, when or whoever commits it. Violence, extremism, and radicalisation have no place in our society hence the fight against terrorism is one that necessitates collective efforts under various frameworks- through bilateral, regional and international cooperation. In this regard, Malaysia welcomes the consensual adoption of resolution 77/298 on the Eighth Review of the GCTS on 22 June 2023.
Madam President,
At the national level, Malaysia’s primary counter-terrorism efforts focus on preventive and prescriptive measures. These include countering the narratives of terrorists and extremists, carrying out programmes aimed at deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of former Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs). These measures are an integral part of Malaysia’s comprehensive National Security Policy 2021-2025, which advocates for moderation, peaceful coexistence and peacebuilding in countering extremism, terrorism and radicalisation.
Through its own the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism or SEARCCT, Malaysia has embarked into a study on “women and terrorism” since 2016. This study aims to create a better understanding on the factors that push Malaysian women to join terrorist groups. For the majority of them, the factors include various socio-political, economic, and personal situations. Against this backdrop, SEARCCT has conducted two roundtable discussions on “Gendered Approach towards Outreach on Radicalisation” or GATOR, to enhance engagement between government agencies and civil societies. Through these discussions, we strive to develop a more gender-sensitive Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism strategies in Malaysia.
Madam President,
In line with Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), Malaysia equally recognizes the critical role played by women in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security including in counter-terrorism efforts. We further believe in applying a gender- lens approach in formulating and implementing effective strategies to prevent and combat terrorism, in accordance with relevant Security Council Resolutions. Malaysia believes that the promotion of gender parity conduces to a reduction in risks of radicalisation and extremism. Understanding the psyche of gendered incentives and vulnerabilities can further help explain radicalisation routes and improve preventative measures. Malaysia in this regard, stands ready to extend its cooperation within the United Nations framework in the efforts to prevent and eliminate terrorism.
I thank you.