Preventing and countering violent extremism programming for radicalised individuals and youths in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to suggest Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programs targeted at radicalised individuals and youth in Malaysia. This program is informed by findings on youth radicalisation pathways in Malaysia between 2013-2020 and an analysis of PCVE youth programs, particularly awareness talks conducted from 2017 to 2023. The study employs a qualitative methodology for data collection, utilising content analysis and interviews with various stakeholders, including government agencies, think-tanks, academicians, NGOs and youth clubs. In examining these pathways, the research analysed demographic such as gender, age, marital status; recruitment strategies including recruiters, roles and expertise within groups; and ideological dimension. The findings indicate that radicalised youth in Malaysia are both male and female, spanning secondary, tertiary and working-age youth, both single, married and re-married. Recruitment pathways reveal that recruiters include spouses, family members, boyfriends, social media, teachers and usrah groups affiliated with VE groups. The roles within these groups include leaders, followers and loosely associated members, with some possessing specialised expertise as recruiters, financiers, suicide bombers, weapons experts, medical practitioners, participants in in-house attacks and combatants in Syria, while others participate as jihad al-nikah. Ideologically, these individuals exhibit high, medium, or low commitment to extremist beliefs. For the PCVE program, the study suggests peace program, webinar sharing, social media campaign, sport, ICONS simulation and Training of Trainer (ToT). Hence, the findings will help to inform and compliment future Malaysia Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).