Zahid: Terrorism, extremism must be viewed with new urgency

KUALA LUMPUR: Terrorism and violent extremism must be looked at with renewed urgency, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).

Given current challenges, and most recently the Jakarta attack, the Deputy Prime Minister said a new and more comprehensive approach is needed in view of constantly changing nature of terrorism.

“Malaysia has taken various steps to address this threat. We have strengthened our legislation and intensified operations of law enforcement, intelligence and security forces.

“On top of that, we have also widened our international cooperation and now it is time for us to enhance it and the effectiveness of our de-adicaliasation and rehabilitation programmes,” he said in his speech during the opening of International Conference on Deradicaliasation and Countering Violent Extremism on Monday.

He added that rehabilitating terrorists and extremists is a dynamic process.

“It means that our methods and approaches must constantly be reviewed and improved upon.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, added that it is a challenge for Malaysia to be several steps ahead of the terrorists.

“In this regard, the exchange of ideas and experiences is crucial.

“It is our hope that the tone of cooperation and mutual sharing, developed in this conference will continue in the years to come,” he said.