Malaysia's success in fighting extremism wows CHOGM leaders

VALLETTA (MALTA): Malaysia's success rate in deradicalising extremists and terrorists, which stands at 95%, caught the attention of leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2015 in Malta.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix) said during a presentation on the country's success in rehabilitating these groups, the leaders of the 53 Commonwealth member countries expressed their interest to learn from Malaysia.
In view of this, Malaysia would be organising a two-day international conference on deradicalisation from Jan 25 next year to share the country's experience in rehabilitating extremist individuals.
Ahmad Zahid who is also home minister, said Malaysia has long and extensive experience in rehabilitating people involved in terrorism, since the days of the Communist threat.
"Malaysia has also long been facing the threats of extremists and terrorists from regional countries such as southern Thailand, southern Philippines and Indonesia," he told Malaysian reporters today.
He said the government was confident of achieving a 100% recovery rate when further and detailed actions are implemented.
The issue of deradicalisation arose when the leaders were discussing issues on violence, climate change and migration, he added.
On the forthcoming conference on deradicalisation, Ahmad Zahid said the government would invite agencies involved in the deradicalisation process, including the Prisons Department, police, Armed Forces, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, and ulama (Islamic scholars).
Regarding Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) chairman Kishva Ambigapathy's desire to relocate the CYC secretariat from Sri Lanka to Kuala Lumpur, Zahid expressed his willingness to help.
"We agree with the proposal and are ready to try to find provisions for the establishment of the secretariat," he said. – Bernama