Counter-terrorism a vital investment for the future

THE attack that took place in Berlin on the evening of July 25 has once again demonstrated how a single individual, allegedly motivated by extremist ideology, can spread fear, disrupt public life and challenge national security.

Before the attack, the Counter Extremism Project had warned that pro-Islamic State (Isis) propaganda channels continue to encourage supporters worldwide to exploit major international events, including the just concluded FIFA World Cup, as targets for violence.

These developments underscore a simple but uncomfortable reality: terrorism has not disappeared; it has merely changed its form.

Geography no longer provides protection. In a borderless digital environment, extremist narratives are travelling faster than ever before.

Against this backdrop, former deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay’s remarks expressing disappointment over the dissolution of the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division deserve serious public consideration.

His concerns are not about preserving a bureaucratic structure but about safeguarding specialised expertise painstakingly developed over many years.

Malaysia’s record in countering terrorism has long been regarded as one of South-East Asia’s quiet success stories. Our security agencies have disrupted terrorist plots, dismantled extremist cells, intercepted recruitment efforts and prevented Malaysians from participating in overseas terrorist conflicts.

These achievements were rarely celebrated because successful counter-terrorism is often invisible. The public notices attacks that occur, not those that are prevented from happening. This preventive capability is precisely what makes specialised counter-terrorism units indispensable.

Counter-terrorism is fundamentally different from conventional policing. Criminal investigations generally focus on identifying perpetrators after an offence has been committed; counter-terrorism seeks to prevent the act. It is a discipline built on anticipation rather than reaction.

This requires intelligence-led policing, continuous threat assessments, behavioural analysis, financial tracking, cyber surveillance and close cooperation with foreign intelligence partners.

Monitoring extremist narratives, identifying signs of online radicalisation, tracing terrorist financing and assessing evolving ideological trends require officers with specialised training and years of operational experience.

These capabilities become even more critical as terrorist organisations increasingly exploit emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, encrypted communications and digital currencies.

The warning issued by the Counter Extremism Project illustrates this evolving threat. Extremist groups have adapted by encouraging supporters to carry out attacks independently, using readily available weapons against public gatherings, transport hubs, tourist attractions and symbolic events. This strategy makes detection significantly more challenging and reinforces the need for highly specialised intelligence capabilities.

Malaysia cannot assume immunity from these developments. Its strategic location at the heart of South-East Asia, extensive maritime borders, vibrant tourism sector and role as a regional transport and financial hub make it both interconnected and exposed. Maintaining robust counter-terrorism capabilities is therefore a matter of national resilience.

Equally important is recognising that effective counter-terrorism extends beyond enforcement. It encompasses community engagement, early intervention, rehabilitation programmes, counter-narrative initiatives, financial intelligence and collaboration with educators, religious leaders and civil society.

The attack in Berlin shows that complacency is the greatest ally of violent extremism. Nations that lower their guard often rediscover the value of specialised counter-terrorism capabilities only after tragedy strikes.

For Malaysia, the choice should be clear. Counter-terrorism should not be viewed as a legacy of past conflicts but as a strategic investment for the future.

R. PANEIR SELVAM

Puchong

(The writer is principal consultant at a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters.)