The government has appointed 24 local de-radicalisation and counter-terrorism experts to help address radicalism and militancy nationally and globally in a holistic manner.

Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said this step was taken in the wake of 123 Malaysians found to be linked with the so-called IS militant group or Daesh terrorists and their networks in Syria and Iraq.

He pointed out that 66 of them were identified to be in Syria fighting alongside the IS.

In his speech to launch the 'Islamic State Seminar: Jihad vs Militancy' in Kuala Lumpur today, he said with the large number of Malaysians involved, the issue must be handled carefully and systematically.

"Apart from aspects of disrupting operation, counter-narrative or de-radicalisation programmes should be emphasised by the government to curb rampant radicalism," he said.

Nur Jazlan added that Malaysians should concentrate on other forms of jihad which included knowledge, religion, economics, Islamic laws, and morals, which could elevate the contributions of Muslims in the eyes of the world.

The one-day seminar organised by the National Security Council, Prime Minister's Department, was attended by some 500 participants, including civil servants and local undergraduates.

Speaking to reporters later, Nur Jazlan said the National Security Council Bill 2015 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 1 demonstrated the government's seriousness in handling national security issues.

"For example, if anything happens at KLCC which called for quick action, this bill can be applied to declare it a security area and to ensure fast integrated action can be taken," he said.

He stressed that the Bill should not be misconstrued as an act to curtail the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Meanwhile, Nur Jazlan said the Home Ministry would be organising the International Conference on De-radicalisation and Countering Violent Extremism on Jan 25 and 26.

Experts and representatives from 19 countries have been invited to share their experiences and exchange ideas in addressing problems of radicalism and militancy, he said.

- Bernama