ULU TIRAM, Malaysia – The recent tragic incident in Ulu Tiram on May 17, where two police officers were brutally killed in a terror attack, serves as a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of violent extremism in the country. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain revealed that the terrorist behind the attack had meticulously planned it, despite acting alone.
While initial reports suggested a connection to the extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), further investigation showed that the lone wolf’s father had ties to the group. This incident, though deemed “low-level,” underscores the need for Malaysia to remain vigilant against the dangers posed by violent extremism, as highlighted by terrorism experts like R. Paneir Selvam.
The history of violent extremism in Malaysia is not a new phenomenon, with past incidents such as the 1980 attack on the Batu Pahat police station by the “Kumpulan Nur Zaman” group and the 2001 assault on the Guar Chempedak police station by a religious extremist group. These events, along with others like the siege in Kampung Sauk in 2000 and the rise of the Al-Arqam movement, demonstrate the ongoing threat that violent extremism poses to the nation.
Despite efforts to combat extremism and the arrest of individuals linked to ISIS, the Deputy Prime Minister has called for increased surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks. Terrorism experts emphasize the need to address the root causes of violent terrorism, focusing on the religious and ideological aspects that fuel extremist ideologies in the country.
It is crucial for Malaysia to confront both non-violent and violent extremist underpinnings, as they are interconnected and can lead to the proliferation of radical ideologies. By rejecting complacency and adopting proactive measures, Malaysia can prevent the spread of violent extremism and safeguard its society from the negative impacts of political polarisation driven by extremist sentiments.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia is poised to strike a balance between opposing forces in the country and combat extremism effectively. Through a unity government approach and strategic policy recommendations, Malaysia can navigate the complexities of extremism and promote a harmonious society for the future.