Comprehensive counter-narrative needed to address extremism

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia strongly believes on the need for the international community to develop a comprehensive counter-narrative to address the extremists’ ideology, counter their violent propaganda and win the hearts and minds of the people.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin said that the counter-narrative must be able to provide a substantive, convincing and feasible concept that could be used by the youths when confronted with injustice, realities, discrimination and suffering in the world today.

“We have to create awareness among the youths that violence is not the answer in addressing injustice and sufferings, and is contrary to the basic tenet of every religion.

“Instead of resorting to aggression, the counter-narrative could focus on non violent yet powerful means to affect change, such as peaceful protest, persuasion, diplomatic and political pressure as well as boycott or sanctions,” he said.

Hamzah said this at the United Nations Security Council open debate on the Role of Youth in Countering Violent Extremism and Promoting Peace in New York on Thursday.

His statement was released yesterday.

He said it had to be acknowledged that terrorist groups and extremist wielded not only hard power, that was the ability to use force to pursue their agenda but also considerable soft power in terms of ideology or narrative that was attractive to the impressionable youth.

“As part of Malaysia’s efforts to provide a counter-narrative to challenge the soft power of the extremists, Malaysian Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) has initiated the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) five years ago at this august organisation.

“The idea is to provide a platform for the silent majority to counter extremism in all its forms,” he said.

Based on studies conducted in Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region on factors that contribute radicalisation of the youths, he said the main motivation seemed to be political in nature be it prolonged and grievous injustice, gross violations of human rights, foreign occupation and systematic discrimination.

“We also believe in rehabilitation and not just punitive action in dealing with youths who, whether due to their sense of adventure, idealism or frustration, had fallen for narrative of the extremists,” he added. — Bernama