'Govt should allow Malaysians involved with Daish to return home'

An expert on strategic studies and terrorism today suggested the government to allow Malaysian citizens involved with the Daish militant group in Syria to return home.

Kolej Universiti Islam Perlis (KUIPs) Rector Dr Mohamad Mizan Mohd Aslam said this was because they would not have a place to stay as no foreign country would accept them.

"No matter how big their sin, except those who want to give up their Malaysian citizenship, they should be allowed to come home.

"I believe the government is capable of taking the relevant action and to help rehabilitate them," he told Bernama here.

He was commenting on statistics released by the counter-terrorism unit of the police special branch on 137 Malaysians in Iraq and Syria who were involved with the Daish militant group.

Dr Mohamad Mizan said the Malaysian citizens would want to return home and build a new life.

What should be emphasised is rehabilitating them by explaining to them on Islam, faith, and the true meaning of "jihad", he added.

Dr Mohamad Mizan holds a doctorate (PhD) in the field of strategic studies from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, specialising in ideology of violence, radicalism and counter-terrorism.

He had also written many articles and books on violence and counter-terrorism. The books include 'The Typology Of Radicalism', which was published in 2012.