Universities monitor students to prevent influence of militant groups

Local universities are constantly monitoring students' activities to ensure their students are not influenced by unhealthy elements, including being recruited by militant groups in countries of conflict.

President of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the management and staff of the university's security division conducted checks on students' background so that they were not susceptible to groups professing the 'jihad'.

He proposed that other public and private institutions of higher learning take similar precautionary measure to curb the increasingly aggressive actions of militant groups in enticing the young through Facebook.

"The universities cannot remain silent, as anything unforeseen may happen. This is a great security challenge as idealism is an issue which is easily penetrated in universities," he told Bernama here on Tuesday.

Principal Assistant Director of the Counter Terrorism Division of the Special Branch at Bukit Aman, SAC Datuk Ayob Mydin Khan Pitchay, in an exclusive report by Bernama on Monday, revealed efforts by militant groups to recruit the young through Facebook.

They target on those between the ages of 15 and 30 years, including school children and university students with family and education problems in the name of jihad.

Rais also said that so far, no IIUM student had been found to be involved or have any inclinations towards the group.

"Should a student be found to be involved, he or she will automatically be expelled as the university will not compromise when it comes to security," he said.

Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Tan Sri Prof Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said the university would also monitor developments relating to the group and was prepared to cooperate with the authorities at any time.

Sahol Hamid also believed that only a small number of students were likely to be swayed by the group's propaganda, while the majority were mature enough to differentiate the good from the bad.

"Students are advised not to be swayed by this phenomenon. Concentrate fully on your studies as there are many ways to help Islam after you have completed your studies," he said.

The same view was shared by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Datuk Prof Emeritus Dr Ibrahim Komoo who was in awe as to how some university students could be involved in militant group activities.

"It is unreasonable for students to get involved unless this group is exceptionally good in persuading and inciting them," he said, adding that it could be tough to fend off the persuasion for students who "lack inner strength".

Ibrahim doubted if there were UMT students involved with militant groups as the university adopted a stringent system in the selection of its students.

"Careful selection of students is done so that only those with potential and with positive attitude gain admission," he said. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Datuk Prof Dr Raduan Che Rose said the university also monitored its students' movements and activities.

There are three militant groups joined by Malaysians in Syria, namely the Islamic State (IS), Jabhat Al Nusra and Ajnad Al Sham.

So far 22 Malaysians, including three women, have been detected to be with militant groups in Syria and 23 others have been detained in the country for alleged links with these groups.