Govt Rejects Extremism, Tackles Radicalism Among Foreign Workers - Mohd Na’im

KOTA BHARU, July 4 (Bernama) -- Religious authorities, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), will continue working with the Home Ministry to curb the spread of extremist and radical ideologies among foreign workers in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that although not all foreign 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 foreign 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 here tonight.

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.

Mohd 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 foreign workers who may be influenced by such ideologies.

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

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail reportedly said that the Radical Militant Movement of Bangladesh (GMRB), which was recently dismantled by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (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 Mohd Khalid, the group’s membership is estimated to be between 100 and 150 individuals, comprising Bangladesh nationals working in sectors such as factories, construction, and petrol stations across the country.

On June 27, PDRM 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 Datuk Seri 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