Preventing Terrorism: A Case Study Of Malaysia
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Date
2018-03
Authors
Abdullah, Ahmad Nazzan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
This study is undertaken to examine the preventive methods undertaken by
Malaysia in dealing with terrorism. It has become the number one security threat to
the nation. As such, it will be probed from its historical perspective, right to the latest
preventive approach. Malaysia has the experience of dealing with terrorism from the
Communist Emergency period of 1948 to 1960. Subsequently, the methods and
approaches were improved and modified to suit the changing times. The research
question is, what are the methods undertaken by Malaysia to prevent terrorism. The
objective is to find out its effectiveness and the challenges faced in implementing the
policies, It is a qualitative study and the methodology used is analyzing, primary data
collected by indepth interview, from selected stakeholders, and also secondary data.
The scope of the study is the Hard and Soft policies, Human Security, laws,
particularly enacted to deal with terrorism and also the international conventions of
which Malaysia is a signatory. Malaysia has adopted a two pronged approach in
dealing with terrorism. Its preventive policies are based on the Hard Power and Soft
Power approach. Of Hard Power it is the use of the Military or the Police, in detection,
surveillance and detaining of suspected terrorist sympathizers. On Soft Power, it relies
on the implementation of the principle of Human Security. In addition to the two
pronged approach, Malaysia has also enacted several preventive laws such as POTA
and the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of terrorism Acts. It was discovered
that the preventive laws have helped the Police to avert major disasters by detaining
would be terrorists. In implementing these policies, Malaysia faces new challenges,
as terrorism has become global, lethal and religious based. As such this study will
examine Malaysia’s preventive approaches and the new challenges, in dealing with
terrorism. Analysis of primary and secondary data shows that Malaysia’s
comprehensive approach has produced good results in that no major terrorist attacks
have taken place in this country, in contrast to neighbouring countries.
Description
Keywords
The preventive methods undertaken , Malaysia in dealing with terrorism