IN the last article, I
mentioned on the importance of having preventive laws in dealing with
terrorists and hate preachers.
Here, I wish to state that
Malaysia’s situation is not far from the UK. Our security forces have
successfully captured suspected Islamic State (ISIS) operatives in the past but
in my opinion, the threats posed by the hardened Foreign Terrorist Fighters
(FTFs) will be more lethal compare to these “inexperienced” terrorists.
The influx of veteran FTFs
from battlefields in Syria and Iraq to this region, including Malaysia, will be
noxious because they are good in sourcing for funds fund, planning and
executing attacks.
Furthermore, the radicalised
terrorists who are influenced by the hate radical preachers in Malaysia can
pose a security threat in the near future, similar to the current situation in
UK. Even though this possibility is not so visible now but the potential is
still there.
Besides, the change of
Government can be misused by these hate preachers to instigate Muslims in
Malaysia in the name of religion to create a hostile environment, which is
conducive for them to launch terrorist attacks.
Therefore, the calls to repeal
security legislation like SOSMA, POTA, POCA and other relevant laws by the
human right organisations in Malaysia need to be considered by Government by
paying attention to its grave consequences.
Perhaps, there are loopholes
within these legislations which can be abused by the Executive or security forces
but these can be remedied with a mechanism of check and balance supervised by
the Parliament or establish a commission under the supervision of the
Parliament to keep tabs on such arrests.
In my view, these legislations
are vital to manage the terrorist threats in Malaysia, apart from the
de-radicalisation programme, which is well appreciated by other security
agencies in the world.
It is important to have key
tools like legislations which gives authority to the security forces to monitor
and detain suspected terrorists and their sympathisers to prevent any attacks
in Malaysia.
The collaboration between
intelligence agencies in Malaysia and in other jurisdictions are essential to
detect the influx of FTFs and hate preachers. They need to be stopped by all
means to prevent the future attacks and also to deter their influence on the
locals, which otherwise, will de-harmonise this nation.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, hate preachers
are the source of inspiration for the terrorists globally because they are
charismatic. They also have the capability to influence, manipulate and
instigate potential terrorists to launch attacks by using false interpretations
of their religious verses for their own benefit.
Therefore, the security and
intelligence agencies have a huge task ahead. They need to work relentlessly to
counter any terrorist attacks in Malaysia. Plus, they have to identify, monitor
and deter these hate preachers to deter them not to gain any stimulus and
throttlehold within the Malaysian society.
The essential powers which are
provided by the security legislations like SOSMA, POTA and POCA are decisive
for forces to operate without fear and favour. These agencies cannot and should
not allow or tolerate anyone who pose a threat to our national security. Therefore,
these laws are important to safeguard the sovereignty of this nation.
If any attacks happen in
future, the intelligence and security agencies will be blamed first by the
people including those who are defending these hate preachers. These agencies
must stand shoulder to shoulder to resist and defeat the potential terrorists.
The previous Pakatan Harapan
Government, in their election manifesto, had promised to abolish these security
laws but that can be ignored by closing the loopholes which allow these laws to
be manipulated. Further, the laws should be amended to give necessary
protection to the detainees.
Further the judges who are
presiding these type cases must be given a freehand to determine welfare of
these detainees without any interferences or influences.
Moreover, an independent body
need to be established comprised of former judges, human rights lawyers, human
rights campaigners, laymen, former intelligence and security personnel to
evaluate the conditions of these detainees.
Based on the report prepared
by this body, the families of these detainees and public will know the actual
conditions of the detainees. The presiding judge can use this report as an
additional information whether the detainees have been treated properly or not
by the security agencies.
Malaysia is entering an
unpredictable period as a result of political volatility and the COVID-19.
Malaysians should not be subjected to repression and oppression by anyone or
any organisation. That is not going to be tolerated. However, we must not allow
the nation’s peace and security to be compromised in the name of human rights.
Therefore, Government should
weigh the matter carefully. For instance, in the UK and in other European
countries, many security legislations have enacted recently and their people
are willing to sacrifice some level of personal liberty for this. They realised
the importance of these laws to protect their freedom.
I am urging the present and future Governments not to abolish these security laws but rather make some improvements by consulting the relevant stakeholders. In my view, the law is not perfect but the people who are entrusted to guard these laws need to be transparent, accountable and must have a high integrity by not abusing the security laws. – April 1, 2022
Source: https://focusmalaysia.my/sosma-striking-a-balance-between-human-rights-and-national-security-part-2/
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