Talking Sense About Malaysian Terrorists

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 It’s true; let’s face it. There are Malaysian terrorists. Yes, some of our people had been radicalised and had left for Iraq, Syria and elsewhere to join the jihadists.
Several years ago, we learned that a group of 13 Malaysians who left to join the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) to fight in Syria have been itching to return home.
The 13 were caught in the all-out offensive by the United States-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against IS fighters in eastern Syria and some had contacted their families pleading to return home.
With this recollection, I hope that Bukit Aman will update Malaysians on the 13 known radicals if that has not been done. Many would have forgotten about it as this took place some years ago.
Still, I also believe that Malaysians are keen to know the latest state of terrorism involving our citizens abroad. Apparently, some Malaysians are still on the terror-watch list of foreign security organisations.
Here’s an example. On Friday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man dubbed the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placing three local Islamic NGO leaders on the Terrorist Screening Center list as “unsettling”.
He charged that the trio’s placement on the list reeked of foreign interference.
"The FBI’s act of labelling the three NGO leaders as terrorists is part of the US’ continued efforts to oppose those who help Palestinians," Tuan Ibrahim said in a statement.
"The world has to act fairly towards Muslims, particularly those in Palestine."
Bringing religion into the equation
There is something seriously wrong when we have to bring religion (in this case, Islam) into the terrorism equation. As in everything else involving a belief or faith, there will be no end to an argument or debate.
We must look at terrorism and terrorists, irrespective of whether Malaysians are involved or not, holistically and sensibly.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan ManLeave religion out of it. Terrorism entails violence, brutality and death. Those involved are committing a serious crime - acts of violence - and should be dealt with according to the law.
If Malaysians are involved in terrorism abroad, then they should be punished accordingly. Similarly, foreign terrorists carrying out their violent acts on Malaysian soil should also face the law of our land.
There is something quite simple actually, which I would want those in PAS to understand. Do not always think everything involves religion. No, it does not work that way.
Malaysia is a democracy and governed by the rule of law. Terrorists are subject to the legal system just like any other individual.
Acts of terrorism are typically considered serious crimes, and those who perpetrate them can be arrested, prosecuted and sentenced according to the laws of the country where the acts occurred.
PAS leaders must also understand that it is important for countries to have robust legal frameworks in place to address terrorism effectively while upholding human rights and due process.
Additionally, international cooperation and coordination among nations are often essential in combating terrorism and bringing terrorists to justice.
Stay out, politicians!
I hope PAS leaders will not use their defence of suspected Malaysian terrorists as a tool to further their political interests.
Do not bring religion and politics into terrorism. It is a serious crime and should be handled by security personnel like the police. Politicians should stay out of it.
Let me make this statement here. As a Christian, if ever there are Malaysian Christians involved in any terrorist group abroad, let the law of the land deal with them accordingly. For their acts of aggression and violence, they deserve what they get.
Surely, I cannot be defending my fellow Christians for their crimes. God would have punished them too.
Today, I would also implore my friends in PAS to understand that when religion is brought into every public issue, it can alienate or marginalise those who do not share the same beliefs.
Hence, it is essential to create inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds feel respected and represented.
Talk sensibly
In October last year, I wrote about the story of Mohammed Nazir Lep and Mohd Farik Amin, two Malaysians detained over terrorism-related charges in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Mohammed Nazir Lep (left) and Mohd Farik AminThey were believed to be involved with Indonesian Encep Nurjaman, who is more commonly known as Hambali, in two terrorist attacks in Indonesia.
Hambali was once Indonesia’s most wanted man and he was also known as an expert bomb maker.
All three suspects, who were referred to as “alien unprivileged enemy belligerents” more than a dozen times in the affidavits during a court trial in 2021, face eight charges including seven related to twin bombings that killed 202 people in Bali in October 2002 - Indonesia’s deadliest terror attack to date - and a bombing at the JW Marriott hotel in Jakarta in August 2003.
The two notorious Malaysians in Guantanamo were in the news on Oct 1 after Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that the government has yet to decide on whether they will be kept under custody upon their repatriation.
To bring these two known Malaysian terrorists… No way.
I joined the many critics in strongly objecting to the repatriation of the duo. Interestingly, the minister declined comments on criticisms as he was probably aware that Malaysians, by and large, are not in favour of bringing such people home.
So, we need to talk sensibly about this subject of Malaysian terrorists. Acknowledging that they are involved in terrorism is the first step.
More importantly, leave religion out of this discussion about our Malaysians involved in acts of terrorism. Let the police and other security organisations handle them.
Politicians, please stay out of it. - Mkini
FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at [email protected].
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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