Cover image via AP/Joshua PaulPrime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak delivered an opening address at the International Conference on Deradicalisation and Countering Violent Extremism (IDC) 2016 yesterday, 25 January. Here are some key takeaways from his speech:
1. "I make no apology, I repeat, I make no apology for every step to preserve that safety, and for making the security of all Malaysians my first priority."
Image via Bernama/Sinar Harian
2. "I will not allow Malaysia to be so open to infiltration. The law is there to protect us all, but the intentions of those who want to bomb, maim and behead can never be placed above the peaceful majority who firmly reject violence and war."
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He said that just this month alone, the police arrested three Malaysians who were trying to enter Syria to join the Islamic State.
He also said that a teenager who was dressed in the Islamic State uniform was taken into custody after holding a woman at knifepoint in the north-west of Malaysia.
PM Najib Razak also cited another incident, where a young man who was planning a suicide attack in Malaysia was arrested.
3. "Here in Malaysia, we are firm in our resolve and fully committed to fight violent extremism."
Image via AP Photo/Joshua Paul
4. "Malaysia will also be undaunted in this battle as are the brave men and women of the armed forces and police."
Image via Straits Times/THE STAR PUBLICATION
5. "We will remain tireless in our endeavours to reverse the ideological misconceptions and falsehoods that fuel extremism."
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**He said that many of those who have joined or have tried to join groups like the Islamic State, are "idealistic young men and women who have been cruelly deceived by recruiters".**
He further explained that the countries can work with one another to enhance the security between nations, exchange ideas and share the best practices for rehabilitation efforts and counter violent extremism.
6. "Let us prevent that (terrorism). Let's preserve peace and security in the country."
"We will not wait for an outrage to take place before putting all measures necessary in place. I know that some lawyers would argue with that… that a person is not guilty until he had committed a crime – that is the fundamental of law."
**"But when a crime (terrorism) is committed, many will lose their lives and may be maimed forever and ever. We cannot let that happen."**
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7. "The best way to uphold civil liberties is to ensure the safety of the nation."
"It is right to talk about striking a balance between civil liberties and national security. But, let me tell you this, there are no civil liberties under Daesh (another name for Islamic State), and they are no shield against those who are set on committing acts of terrorism."
The IDC 2016 is a 2-day conference that saw the participation of ministers and delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Malaysia's Strategic Partners speaking extensively about battling terrorism
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PM Najib Razak's speech came just hours after a video threat issued by the Malay-speaking wing of the Islamic State (IS). Katibah Nusantara, the Islamic State's wing in Malaysia and Indonesia, vowed revenge against the Malaysian government after the authorities' crackdown on militancy.
Police said that the video was very significant because it was the first from Islamic State that was in Bahasa Malaysia.
**"This threat is very real and my government takes it very seriously. This is a challenge that faces us all around the world. We are far from immune to this danger in Malaysia," Najib said.**
