PUTRAJAYA, Sept 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today emphasised the need for immediate enhanced monitoring of violence-related issues and their perpetrators at various levels in the country.
He said early monitoring could be implemented in schools, political spheres and certain groups to prevent incidents of violence.
“I raised the issue of purveyors of violence and terror, which we must monitor from now.
“Whether through schools, politics, departments or certain groups, it must be monitored. If not, we will be caught off guard by acts of violence, as we have seen happening in many places around the world,” he said.
He said this when launching the Malaysia Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) here today.
MyPCVE was developed to coordinate efforts to address the threat of extremist ideologies and violence, based on four pillars — prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and strengthening.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the government’s main focus is to ensure the highest level of national security, adding that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), through its Special Branch, has extensive experience in addressing these matters.
“PDRM, including its Special Branch, which I am well familiar with, has the capability. In our discussions, I shared my belief that this area, including counter-terrorism, needs to be further strengthened.
“I am aware we will be criticised, but we have no partisan political agenda — our primary focus is on safety and security,” he said.
He also warned that the government would not compromise with destructive elements or extremists that could jeopardise the nation’s peace and security.
“There are issues that we cannot take lightly, such as terrorism, which is more complex in Malaysia. It encompasses religious, racial and criminal extremism.
“If we allow these problems to grow unchecked, they will become more complicated,” he said.
While the government respects and upholds democracy and freedom, Anwar reminded that all parties must adhere to established rules and regulations.
“There are rules, conditions and laws that must be enforced strictly so that the entire nation is not destroyed. We know it is easier to destroy than to build,” he said.
In efforts to develop the country in various aspects, Anwar said that his Cabinet pays special attention to issues of national defence and security.
— Bernama
