'Hatred for west drives M’sian youths to join IS'
The Home Ministry said one of the reasons so many Malaysian youths are joining the Islamic State (IS) is because of the "feelings of hatred" among Muslims towards western countries.
In a parliamentary reply dated June 8, the Home Ministry said Western countries are seen by many Muslims as enemies of Islam.
This was a reply to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok ( photo ), who had asked what were the factors causing the youths to join IS, also known as Isis.
"International Islamic organisations are perceived to have failed to protect oppressed Islamic countries," the reply read.
The youths are convinced that only the militant terrorist group IS is capable of fully realising a radical Islamic country according to their idealogies, according to the Home Ministry.
This is said to have inadvertently fanned the spirit of Malaysian youths to join IS.
The Home Ministry also cited misinterpretations of Islamic teachings on the concept of jihad, the absolvement of sins and an "easy route to heaven", along with lack of religious knowledge, as another reason why youths are eager to join IS.
The wide usage of social media by IS in spreading its idealogies and propaganda is also influencing the youths to join their cause, the Home Ministry explained.
In the reply, the Home Ministry also said the situation is only exacerbated by "peer pressure" that encourages youths to get involved in religious extremism like joining IS.
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