KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian youths are increasingly vulnerable to online extremism, particularly ethno-religious sentiments which could incite political violence, according to an anti-extremism group and an academic.
Aizat Shamsuddin of the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (Initiate.my) told Scoop that while extremism affects all age groups, youths are particularly exposed online.
He said they are not encountering diverse perspectives that promote tolerance, making them more susceptible to extreme ethno-religious content from young content creators on social media platforms like TikTok.
Such content, Aizat said, touches on the May 13 race riots – which have become increasingly prevalent following the 2022 general election.
Professor Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid of Universiti Sains Malaysia told Scoop that, “Youth are vulnerable because at this stage of their life, one is still searching for directions and guidance in life. Therefore, one gets easily swayed by emotions and temptations.”
Both Aizat and Fauzi said the country has been witnessing the proliferation of ethno-religious sentiment both online and in the real world that could pave the way for political violence, since the formation of the Pakatan Harapan government back in 2018.
Aizat said extreme right-wing and far-right ethno-religious narratives were being peddled, which incited people to partake in anti-minority protests and boycotts such as the anti-ICERD (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) rally and “Buy Muslim First” campaigns.
“It (far right extremism) is becoming more prominent (now) because we have a homogenous Malay Muslim political coalition in the opposition, and they are operating under the presumption that the ruling government is not Islamic enough, and is too liberal.
“This, in my opinion, is why and how far-right extremism is becoming more prominent in the country, and it could lead to violence and intolerance if it is not prevented.”
The issue of political violence gained attention recently following the attempted assassination of former US president Donald Trump at a presidential campaign event.
Asked whether political violence as seen in the US could materialise in Malaysia, Fauzi said the public might feel that such instances could take place due to irresponsible politicians who manipulate ethno-religious narratives.
“But I’m rather optimistic that political violence won’t be endemic to Malaysia. We have a generally non-violent culture, where even the slightest hint of violence invites community disapproval.
“Even then, we shouldn’t rest on our laurels, as the killings in Ulu Tiram in May showed,” he added, referring to the attack on a police station in Ulu Tiram, Johor by an individual believed to be radicalised by Jemaah Islamiyah teachings, who took the lives of two police officers.
Roles of MCMC, social media companies and civil society
Aizat emphasised the critical role of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in removing extreme online content, though he acknowledged the challenge due to the often covert nature of far-right messaging.
He urged social media companies to enhance their algorithms and employ moderators familiar with Malaysia’s historical and political context to detect and remove such content.
Fauzi called on civil society groups, religious institutions, and educators to act as watchdogs against extremist tendencies.
However, he noted issues arise when these figures neglect their responsibilities for political gain and stressed the need for legal accountability irrespective of political affiliation.
“This means that even if an individual or group were politically linked to the powers that be, he or she or they (would) still be accountable under the law should they commit sedition.” – July 20, 2024