White Paper exposes danger of IS militant group ideology

In addition, the objective in issuing the 19-page document is to awaken Malaysians against being influenced by the IS ideology which threatens national security and stability.

It also suggests integrated measures based on specific laws to tackle the threat of terrorism.

It is divided into nine sub-topics, among which were IS background, The Threat of the IS Group, Level Of Security Threat To Malaysia and the Action Of the International Community Towards IS.

According to the White Paper which was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, IS' total strength to date was estimated at 31,500 people comprising local and foreign militants.

According to the document, IS comprises extremist groups adhering to the Salafi-Jihadi ideology which champions the setting up of Daulah Islamiah, via wars, and declaring Muslim rulers not upholding the Syariah Law as infidels.

"IS gives a different definition on the boundaries and limits of jihad and rejects the true definition based on the Quran and Sunnah (way of life prescribed as normative for Muslims on the basis of the teachings and practices of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad and interpretations of the Quran).

"This allows them to kill anyone, regardless of Muslims or non-Muslims. They also legitimise more aggressive action and the destruction of properties even involving fellow Muslims," said the White Paper.

After conquering several regions in Syria and Iraq, IS is said to have amassed assets worth almost RM7 billion, and was selling oil worth RM3 million on the black market daily, and looted RM1.4 billion from the Bank of Mosul.

The document states that Malaysians are easily tempted to join IS due to their desire for martyrdom, a belief that the war in Syria was an end-of-age war and sympathy for the sufferings of Muslims in Syria.

Unchecked, the proliferation of IS' ideology can lead to chaos and conflicts among races and religions in Malaysia, according to the document.

"Furthermore, access to the social media used by IS has attracted the sympathy of Malaysian youths and trapped them into joining the group.

"This is a major challenge to the government to effectively check the spread of the IS ideology. As such, all quarters, and not just the government, have a role to combat IS in the cyber world," it said.

It urges all Malaysians, regardless of community, religion and political ideology to reject the extreme ideology and be confident that the concept of moderation is the best path to ensure national peace and prosperity.

"Malaysia continues to be committed to be with the international community in tackling the threat of terrorism. The government is convinced the cooperation will also contribute towards strengthening national security.

"All these moves will further strengthen the effort of the government to tackle the threat of radicalism, extremism and any terrorist activity," said the White Paper.