Na'im: Govt rejects extremism, tackles radicalism among migrant workers

Religious authorities, including the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), will continue working with the Home Ministry to curb the spread of extremist and radical ideologies among migrant workers in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar said that although not all migrant workers are influenced by radical ideologies, efforts to curb such influences continue to be strengthened.

“The issue of IS (Islamic State) involves extremism and radicalism, and I have addressed this in several previous statements.

“While it does not necessarily involve migrant workers as a whole, we emphasise that the role of religious agencies, especially Jakim, is crucial in curbing the spread of extremist ideologies,” he told reporters after attending the “Rai Ummah” programme in Kota Bharu last night.

He added that the government upholds the principle of wasatiyyah (moderation) and firmly rejects any form of extremist teachings that deviate from the true teachings of Islam.

“We strongly oppose any ideology that promotes extremist actions, as such acts have no place in Islam,” he said.

Na’im stressed that he has directed Jakim and the Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) to intensify their efforts in addressing the issue.

“I have instructed Jakim, along with Yadim, to continue strengthening cooperation with other ministries, particularly the Home Ministry, especially in cases involving migrant workers who may be influenced by such ideologies.

“Insya-Allah, ongoing collaboration between religious agencies, together with the Home Ministry, will be carried out to curb the spread of extremist ideologies among migrant workers,” he said.

Movement dismantled

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail reportedly said that the Radical Militant Movement of Bangladesh (GMRB), which Bukit Aman recently dismantled, is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the IS in Syria and Bangladesh.

He said initial investigations revealed that the group collected funds through an annual membership fee of RM500 per person, with additional contributions depending on members’ financial capabilities.

According to Khalid, the group’s membership is estimated to be between 100 and 150 individuals, comprising Bangladesh nationals working in factories, construction, and petrol stations across the country.

On June 27, police crippled a foreign militant network with the arrest of 36 Bangladesh nationals suspected of being directly involved in radical militant movements linked to extremist beliefs and terrorist ideologies.

Recently, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reportedly said that the arrests were made through three phases of planned security operations conducted in Selangor and Johor, beginning on April 24.

- Bernama

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