Racial attacks in politics now at dangerous level, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking in Putrajaya today at the launch of a national action plan against extremism and terrorism. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Racial debates and attacks made in political statements, especially near elections, have now reached 

a very intense and dangerous level,

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Speaking at the launch of a national action plan against violent extremism, Anwar said anti-terrorism authorities must make an effort to understand the motives behind any terrorist act, as well as look into elements of incitement.

The prime minister also said security-related legislation must be improved, to ensure a more robust protection from outside elements and influences.

Anwar said the people must understand the action plan, especially as there were now those in the country who use racial elements to threaten the peace, Bernama reported.

I always say at my meetings, including those of the National Security Council, that sometimes we focus only on action against acts of terrorism and overlook elements of incitement,

 Anwar said.

The problem is our obsession with terrorism without understanding the issues. We deal with the problem of terrorism, but we don’t understand the reasons and background behind the activities.

The action plan for 2024-2028 was developed to coordinate actions to deal with the threat of extremist ideology based on four cores, namely prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and reinforcement.

It emphasises the issue of the threat of extremist ideology of terrorism holistically, including political and racial extremists, social, religious as well as external elements.

Anwar said the authorities must work towards identifying the real motive behind every extremist ideology or terrorist attack.

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who was at the launch of the action plan, said Malaysia’s plan is different from anti-terrorism plans of other countries because it takes a comprehensive look at understanding extremism, and takes into account several principles, policies, and values unique to Malaysia.

He said the plan includes a 

soft approach

 towards dealing with extremist ideology. - FMT