Law & Paneir

The terrorist incident that occurred last Saturday in Mulhouse, France, highlights the intricate challenges associated with managing national security threats stemming from extremism. The perpetrator, an Algerian individual with a documented history of extremist affiliations and mental health concerns, has reignited essential discussions regarding the effectiveness of national security measures in addressing threats from individuals who, despite prior identification by authorities, can still inflict harm. In this context, Malaysia's national security framework faces a significant dilemma: how to ensure public safety while also protecting civil liberties. A central topic of debate in Malaysia regarding national security is the contentious Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), which empowers law enforcement agencies with extensive authority to detain individuals suspected of involvement in national security threats. This legislation has attracted considerable...

Extremism, in both political and religious contexts, represents a considerable danger to social cohesion and national safety. Worldwide, instances of unrestrained radicalisation have demonstrated the potential to undermine nations and diminish democratic values. Malaysia, characterised by its diverse cultural background and moderate religious stance, needs to take the initiative in confronting the rising threats of extremism domestically. By analysing the situations in neighbouring nations such as Singapore, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, valuable insights can be gained regarding the perils of complacency and the necessity of overseeing hate speech, religious instruction, and political discourse. The case of Singapore Singapore, recognised for its rigorous legal framework and dedication to fostering interfaith harmony, has encountered its own issues related to radicalisation. Despite its image as a stable nation, the city-state has experienced threats posed by extremist discourse that can f...

THIS second section of the article addresses the obstacles associated with data adoption and explores strategies aimed at bridging the gap to facilitate progress. Challenges in data adoption Malaysia, despite its considerable potential, encounters substantial obstacles in the comprehensive implementation of data-driven initiatives. A principal concern is the issue of data privacy and security. The increasing dependence on data heightens the risks associated with cyberattacks, data breaches, and potential misuse. Although Malaysia’s data protection framework, exemplified by the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA), represents progress, there remains a critical need to enhance legal measures and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard citizens’ privacy as technological advancements continue. Another significant challenge is the fragmentation of data across various sectors and organisations. Although the generation and collection of data are on the rise, much of it remains confined within...

MALAYSIA, a nation experiencing swift development in Southeast Asia, is progressively embracing data-driven strategies to strengthen its economic advancement, improve governance, and elevate the living standards of its populace. In an era where the global economy is increasingly interconnected and digitalised, the significance of data in influencing future trajectories is paramount. The emergence of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning has transformed data into a crucial resource for nations, governments, and enterprises. Nevertheless, for Malaysia, the incorporation of data into its developmental frameworks poses both significant opportunities and challenges that require meticulous consideration. The role of data in Malaysia’s development Data serves as a fundamental component in numerous critical sectors that propel Malaysia’s economic growth. The Malaysian government has taken significant steps to integrate data analytics into its national policies and govern...

The recent incident at Risbergska school in Orebro, Sweden, which resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, including members of the Syrian and Bosnian communities, represents a deeply tragic occurrence that has profoundly impacted the nation. Although investigations are still in progress and the authorities have not yet established a definitive motive, preliminary evidence suggests that the shooting may be connected to far-right extremist or xenophobic ideologies. This incident shares alarming parallels with other acts of terrorism motivated by far-right beliefs, such as the attacks in Norway and New Zealand, where white supremacist ideologies incited lethal violence. The Orebro Shooting: Investigating the Motive The circumstances surrounding the Orebro school shooting remain complex and not fully elucidated, with various potential motives currently being examined. The alleged perpetrator, 35-year-old Rickard Andersson, reportedly took his own life following the incident. ...

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced prolonged conflict for more than thirty years, particularly in its mineral-rich eastern regions, where various armed factions, notably the March 23 Movement (M23) , vie for dominance over valuable resources such as gold, tin, and coltan. The resurgence of the M23 insurgency, which has seized critical locations including Goma, has exacerbated existing tensions and involved neighbouring nations like Rwanda, perpetuating a cycle of violence. With millions displaced and humanitarian crises worsening, the ongoing conflict in the DRC poses significant threats to the stability of the broader African continent. It is imperative for the African Union (AU) to adopt a more proactive stance in order to mitigate the persistence of such conflicts and to address the underlying factors contributing to instability across Africa. The M23 Conflict: An Overview The M23 rebel faction, primarily consisting of ethnic Tutsis, has its roots in t...