Bringing to justice Malaysian terrorists

Bringing to justice Malaysian terrorists

New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur

The latest terrorist attack in Indonesia is yet another
reminder of how real is the threat of terrorism in the region.

Despite the gains made by the Indonesian authorities against
militant groups since the Bali blasts of October 2002, the
suicide bombings have continued, and there are worrying signs
that more can be expected. There is no question that those
responsible for the blast outside the Australian Embassy in
Jakarta should be brought to justice.

Although there may be Malaysians involved, Malaysia has no
sympathy whatsoever with the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
It goes without saying that Malaysia will do whatever it can to
help Indonesia track down those responsible. The Deputy Prime
Minister has promised full cooperation. Given Malaysia's
unflinching and unapologetic record in internal security, we
would be the last nation to allow our country to become a
breeding ground for religious militants or a haven for
terrorists.

Nevertheless, since Indonesia is on the front line, it is
hoped there will be further concerted action from Jakarta. Since
the suspected Malaysian masterminds behind the bombing are
believed to be still in the country, it is essential that the
Indonesian authorities leave no stone unturned in the manhunt to
flush them out from their hiding places.

Since no country is safe and the terrorists respect no
national boundaries, there is an obvious need to pool resources.
The regional networks which connect diverse militant cells to one
another and to international links make inter-governmental co-
operation an imperative.

Thursday's bombing should serve as a spur to greater regional
co-ordination and strengthen the resolve to clamp down on
terrorism. Countries in the region have no choice but to work
more closely than ever before. Border controls have to be
tightened, and efforts in intelligence gathering and sharing have
to be stepped up and made more effective.

Malaysia's long and hard struggle against the communist
insurgency shows that effective counter-terrorism takes time,
effort, and a great deal of political will. Through draconian
anti-terror laws, constant surveillance and quick action,
Malaysia has been successful in nipping in the bud any potential
threat from religious extremists.

Even when the Jamaah Islamiyah and Kumpulan Militan Malaysia
were weakened as a result of the arrests of more than 100 of
their members, the authorities were not complacent and did not
let their guard down.

But as Malaysia has learned from bitter experience, while
force is not only necessary but has to be applied vigorously,
effective counter-terrorism cannot rely exclusively on coercive
measures. Unless the imagined and real grievances of those who
are prepared to blow themselves up are systematically addressed,
it would be difficult to stem the tide of terrorist attacks.