By Akhbar Satar
A couple of weeks ago, an IS attack in Puchong changed the security landscape in Malaysia. Until last week many Malaysians believed such attacks will not happen in this country because the IS threat is only outside Malaysia.
For the security and intelligence forces this attack was a surprise. The choice is not obviously in the city centre or crowded places visited by foreigners but rather one that was unimaginable. This has shown that ISIS supporters, sympathisers or terrorists have read and scaled down their targets well.
Worst of all the attack was carried out in the holy month of Ramadhan, a month of peace and supplication when people will least expect such an attack to happen.
Therefore, officially IS has declared war against Malaysia. The intelligence and security forces can expect a future wave of attacks here. The fatwa issued by IS in Syria urged its supporters and sympathisers to attack places like nightclubs because these clubs do not observe the sanctity of the month of Ramadhan. Furthermore, it is stated in the Prophetic Traditions that the last 10 days of the month of Ramadhan is most rewarding.
The Movida attack is a target of convenience and it’s the first attempt, with less risk and less effort for the terrorist rather than high-security places like KLCC, Bukit Bintang or Putrajaya.
The good work of the Special Branch (Counter-Terrorism division, E8) need to be commended. In the aftermath of the attack, they were able to identify the suspected terrorists with detailed information. This reflects the dedication, commitment and efficiency of the Royal Malaysia Police in tackling the issue. The effective way to curb the terrorists in Malaysia is to pay attention to its local followers because one can expect more noxious terrorist attacks in the near future.
As reported in the media, most IS terrorists are ex-criminals and those who want to wash out their sins by committing such notorious acts in the name of the religion. Further it’s a route of escapism to seek redemption by wrongly interpreting the notion of Jihad which allow them a short cut to paradise.
Needless to say, terrorism threats cannot be taken lightly. Admittedly, it’s very challenging for PDRM to provide security everywhere especially outside Kuala Lumpur. The task is almost impossible to achieve.
Thus, the higher institutions, ministry of home affairs, NGOs and parents have to play their role together with the people to work towards safeguarding this nation. After all, we are all stakeholders to peace. Hence, it is important that we work together to safeguard and preserve this valuable asset.
Meanwhile the ground intelligence needs to be increased. Constant monitoring of social media like Facebook is vital, because Facebook has become their tool of recruitment especially targeting the young generation, the main users of social media. In other words, we need to develop “social media intelligence” capability in tracking and preventing the terrorists from threatening the social fabric of our nation.
The targets of IS are always Western oriented places. The ISIS inspired attacks in Dhaka, Istanbul, Baghdad and Puchong have seen a shift of its strategy by attacking the Muslim nations.
The International Islamic University of Malaysia terrorism expert Ahmad El-Muhammady stated that Malaysia was raised twice in the 11th issue of ISIS’ monthly online magazine, Dabiq: once for the country’s stance against ISIS and secondly, when the magazine suggested that the homegrown militants target diplomatic missions in Malaysia.
R. Paneir Selvam, a lecturer in the field of terrorism from HELP University, believes that the current policies of Malaysia can be a conduit for IS to launch further attacks as Malaysia experiences economic and social problems. If that happens it can paralyze the whole nation.
The proactive role and effort by religious departments and other relevant agencies need to be intensified so that the young people including those studying at madrasahs do not fall prey to IS recruitment.
The relevant agencies must be helped to curb further IS attacks. It is every Malaysian’s duty to protect the sovereignty of this nation from IS.
Akhbar Satar is the President of Transparency International (TI) Malaysia.
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