M'sia to work with ulama to counter IS propaganda
The government will work with Muslim scholars and professionals to disseminate the authentic teachings of Islam in a bid to counter terror groups like Islamic State (IS), Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said.
“That means we must get ulama (Muslim scholars) and Muslim professionals together so that the counter-narrative will be something that people can accept,” he said at a press conference after the closing ceremony of the 27th Asean Summit today.
The government, in its efforts to combat violent extremism, must also be more savvy in using the internet as well as social media.
“That, I must say, we are somewhat lacking. We must improve the medium we use to disseminate (the counter-narrative)."
He was explaining Malaysia’s plan to become a counter-messaging centre in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
Najib had disclosed this after his bilateral talks with US President Barack Obama last Friday night.
“Malaysia’s contribution has been recognised. We have been able to offer our expertise, in particular, we offer our counter-narrative to (what) IS has been preaching; the authentic and true Islam.
“That is our major contribution in the fight against IS because at the end of the day [...] we have to win the hearts and minds of people,” he said.
And to do so, people have to be convinced that the IS is the perverted version of Islam, he stressed.
Najib, however, said that there was a growing acceptance of moderation, pointing out how there was great international acceptance that moderation and tolerance were something that the world has to accept.
Najib said Malaysia is together with like-minded countries, including Russia and China, joining the US’ fight against terrorism.
“So it’s become a global agenda now. [...] Even Russia and China want to work together to fight terrorism.”
The world’s superpowers are gearing up their efforts against the IS, after it claimed responsibility for the attack on Paris which killed 130 people.
Related reports
Can Najib confirm or deny US Dept of Justice is probing him?
Rosmah moots Asean-level financing for rural women entrepreneurs
French army chief sees no fast victory against IS
