teks ucapan mp uitm shah alam 27 july 09

1

Bismillahirahmanirrahim

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabaraka-tuh

and a very good afternoon to all

Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Dato Seri Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abu

Shah

Keynote Address By Y.B Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Defence Minister Of Malaysia In Conjunction With

The Launching Of Books On Terrorism 2.30 p.m, 27 July 2009 UiTM Hotel, Shah Alam

2

The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA

(UiTM)

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and

Gentlemen

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the

Vice Chancellor of UiTM, Y. Bhg. Tan Sri Ibrahim

Shah, for giving me the honour to grace the

official launching of the Universitys publication

works this afternoon, here in Shah Alam.

I would say that this is indeed a double honour,

for us at the Ministry of Defence, as, I understand

that the Policy Division of MINDEF is very much

part of the publication venture for all the three

books to be launched today, namely, Post-

3

Attack Management, Marit ime Terrorism

and Urban Terrorism.

I have also been informed that these books are

the culmination of conference papers, presented

at three seminars of similar themes, organised by

MINDEF, in collaboration with UiTM, in 2004,

2005 and 2006, respectively.

It is heartening to note that MINDEF through its

Policy Division has forged and sustained this

collaborative linkage with the countrys largest

university, and thus directly contributes towards

the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of

academic excellence, particularly on the theme of

terrorism: a subject very much discussed and

extensively delved into, the world over, and one

which has affected all of us one way or another

4

whatever our creed or colour, however young or

old, whichever continent we hail from, however

close or distant we are to matters that pertain to

it, however deep or shallow our understanding of

the issue.

It cannot be denied that terrorism is a curse of

the modern world, yet it is a blight we cannot

ignore, it is one scourge which touches us to the

very core, as humans and as citizens of the world.

I believe that in spite of our diversity in political

perspective and in ideology it is only natural

that we empathise with those who are directly,

and most affected by acts of terrorism.

Hence, I must commend the Institute of ASEAN

Studies and Global Affairs, UiTM, or INSPAG, and

the Policy Division of the Ministry of Defence

5

Malaysia, for their initiative in publishing this

compilation of seminar papers for the benefit of

fellow citizens and others with interest in the

issue of terrorism. And, by so doing, you have all

contributed towards the larger agenda of

engaging the critical mass on the issue of

terrorism, besides adding on to our collection of

reference materials on the subject matter.

Yours is an effort which serves as a reminder to

all us, lest we abandon the cause of countering

acts of terrorism. Looking at current

developments with the recent bombing of JW

Marriott and Ritz-Carlton in Jakarta on July 17 it

is imperative that we resist the human tendency

of falling into complacency when there is a lull

after a passage of time with such acts of violence.

6

Indeed, there is the need to understand the

subject of terrorism for those who dont, and

strengthen that understanding for those who do.

And now that academia has a pride of place

within the MINDEF fraternity through the

establishment of the National Defence University

of Malaysia, I hope this academic endeavour will

pave the way for even more collaborative

initiatives of the same nature, in the future.

I would think that it takes great pain to publish

one, what more three books, but I am sure the

sacrifice would pay off when we see that the

outcome of that sacrifice will ultimately contribute

to the betterment of the community at large.

7

In fact, I am confident that these books will serve

us well as relevant reference material for different

groups of readership, particularly those with

interest in the first-hand experience of officials

and investigators, besides the expert opinions of

people knowledgeable on the issue. I understand

that one of the books has been used by cohorts in

UiTM as supplementary text in their co-

curriculum.

Ladies and Gentlemen

In different parts of the world, a great deal of

time, effort and resources have been spent to

explore, examine and resolve the issue of

terrorism the endless definitions; the causes

and effects; the profiling of perpetrators; the

targets identified; the gathering of intelligence on

8

the modes of attack; the states action and

reaction; the political and socio-economic

implications of such acts; and most of all, the

impact of terrorism on the sustenance of global

peace.

Indeed, terrorism does affect relations between

countries and among different communities of the

world. It does impact on religious tolerance or the

lack of it. And, sadly, it perpetuates the

stereotyping of citizens of the world, according to

race, religion, region or origin.

Controversies and differences in stance are in

abundance when it comes to public rhetoric on

the subject of terrorism. But all is not lost,

because many among us whether at Track 1,

Track 2 or Track 3 level consistently work

9

towards building bridges, forging solidarity and

identifying commonalities to address the issue of

terrorism, and take up the challenges of making

ours a world worth living.

The publication of these three books on terrorism,

and the organisation of the series of seminars on

the same theme are good examples of efforts in

that direction. Both efforts can be likened to the

small steps taken in the proverbial journey of a

thousand miles.

This is especially fitting when these small steps

covered a wide range of terrorism-related topics,

presented by speakers from countries across

continents, namely Malaysia, Indonesia,

Singapore, Japan, Australia, Spain, the United

Kingdom, and the United States. For some, their

first-hand narration of the aftermath of such

10

horrendous attacks in places like Bali, London and

Madrid, although heart-wrenching, serves as food

for thought in our quest to make this world a

better place to live.


In Malaysia, we stand on the same side of other

world nations in countering the threat of

terrorism. Our position on terrorism or

insurgency, for that matter has been put in

place long before the World Trade Centre tragedy

of September 11, 2001, because Malaysias

prolonged encounter with elements of terrorism

made its mark even before the advent of World

War II.

11

Our actions were in response to a proliferation of

the communist ideology on our shores. And it

appeared in the form of the Communist Party of

Malaya or the CPM, which advocated the end of

legitimate rule through illegitimate means.

There are many differences, and as many

similarities, between acts of terrorism of yonder

years and those of today. But however wide the

differences, or however close the similarities, the

years of experience in countering terrorism in our

own backyard, provide us with the tradecraft to

expect the unexpected; to walk in their shoes, yet

remain ahead of their steps; and to not lose track

of our raison detre, and that is, to ensure that

the nation enjoy the peace, security and stability

they so deserve.

12

However, having said that, I acknowledge the fact

that not all the experiences and strategies of the

distant past can be successfully applied in

addressing the complexities of present-day

insurgency, which occur in the context of our

borderless world, the era of cyberspace, the

sophistication of the Internet, and the dawn of

state-of-the-art technologies.


Some other countries in the world too have had

to deal with terrorism for long periods in the past.

In the 1950s, we had the rise of non-state

terrorism played by non-state actors fighting their

political cause. Among them had been the Irish

Republican Army or the IRA, the Basque

separatists, and the Zionists. At that point in

13

time, their agenda was to fight for independence

from what they claimed to be oppressive power.

At about the same period, the world had also

been witness to the upheavals in parts of West

Asia, namely, Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq,

involving ethnic Kurds who had been and are still

seeking national autonomy since the early 20th

century. To achieve their goal of establishing an

independent Kurdish state, the separatist group

has resorted to terrorist tactics, and their struggle

continues even today.

The 1970s saw the beginning of terrorism

acquiring an international faade, through the

hijacking of airplanes as a common tactic among

terrorist groups to gain world attention to their

cause. It was during such a time that acts of

14

terrorism were perceived as symbolic displays of

political grievances by the aggrieved against

alleged injustice inflicted on the community. The

killing of Israeli athletes by Palestinians during the

Munich Olympics in 1972 was a case in point.

And from then on, terrorism became one of the

main international security agenda. From the

1990s onwards, terrorism has taken on a new

meaning and has attracted a new brand of

proponents, who associate themselves with

religion, and fight in the name of religion, mostly

linked to Islam; although other religions also have

their share of terrorists and extremists, including

Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. Among those

groups which link their struggle to the Islamic

creed are Al Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and

Jemaah Islamiyah.

15

However, in spite of the link that these

perpetrators profess to have with the religion with

regards to their struggle, the means of attaining

their goals do not reflect the essence of Islam,

which promotes peace and advocates respect for

the brotherhood of mankind.


The historical perspective brought forth earlier in

my address reflects the very nature of terrorism:

it transcends national boundaries; it appears in

diverse forms and manifestations; it may be

driven by religion yet apathetic to religious

conviction. In many ways, terrorism does not

suggest a permanent pattern; it is more

16

influenced by politics but hides behind a religious

camouflage.

In short, we can safely say that terrorism is an act

of crime against mankind. It violates the rules of

modern warfare as specified under the United

Nations Convention, while its actors play on

media sympathy to gain support for their cause

and sway public empathy to their side.


If the past saw us solving insurgency problems at

home using domestic resources, the present

demands that we work in tandem with neighbours

and friends beyond national boundaries, and

going across continents. If the past saw us

dealing with insurgency in isolation, the present

17

demands that we make international security and

trans-boundary crime, our business.

So, the order of the day, insofar as counter-

terrorism and inter-agency cooperation are

concerned, is to strengthen the sharing of

intelligence and consolidate strategic alliances to

fight the global war against terrorism.

The Ministry of Defence advocates any initiative

to enhance inter-agency cooperation at home,

in the region and beyond to battle the scourge

of terrorism, while maintaining our independence

on matters that pertain to national interests. The

series of seminars on terrorism organised by

MINDEF and the cost-sharing role we play in

the production of the three books is a

testament of our earnestness in answering the

18

global call to avert the hijacking of the right to

live among ordinary citizens, by highlighting

numerous tragic repercussions derived from the

heinous acts of terrorism.


In the case of Malaysia, not only is MINDEF

mindful of the threats of terrorism targeting

critical infrastructure, but also heedful of

intimidation that would impinge on the countrys

waterways in particular, the strategic passage

through the Straits of Malacca. Malaysia is also

fully aware of the need to address the non-

traditional security issues such that our defence

policy in becoming increasingly intense vis--vis

non-traditional threats posed by transnational

crime.

19

In effect, the intensity of these non-traditional

security challenges has driven governments in the

region to revisit their respective defence policy,

and to fortify their military might, so as to be

better prepared in meeting the challenges of non-

traditional threats. For these governments, the

answer lies in the adoption of the total defence

concept, involving all levels of the citizenry,

besides the conventional dependence on the

national military outfit.

Singapore and the Philippines are two ASEAN

neighbours which have embraced this concept.

Malaysia has also joined the ranks of countries

concerned over their national security through

the concept of HANRUH, which is the acronym for

20

Pertahanan Menyeluruh the Malay translation

for the term total defence.

Although the concept was already in practice

among European nations during the Cold War era,

the concept of HANRUH is relevant to multifarious

Malaysia, as it journeys through the path of wider

democratisation in various aspects of living, in

synch with our aspiration to be a developed

nation by the year 2020. Introduced in 1986,

HANRUH has since been accepted as part of our

national security agenda.

In the context of national security, through

HANRUH, the government has outlined the

primary objective of our national security

perspective, which is to protect and defend the

countrys interests, in accordance with Malaysias

21

sovereignty, the integrity of the Federation, and

economic prosperity.

The concept is even more relevant now than

before, in light of the concept of 1Malaysia as

introduced by our present Prime Minister, Yang

Amat Berhormat Dato Seri Najib, when he took

over the countrys stewardship in April this year.

In so doing, Dato Seri Najib who has held the

Defence Minister portfolio over two separate

terms has shown the way forward for us to

speak in one voice as Malaysians, to dream the

same dream for Malaysia, to strive far and wide

for the nation, to enrich our pasture for a better

future for the nation, and to strengthen our spirit

as one nation.

22

Although HANRUH is a process that requires

continuous commitment and concerted efforts by

various government agencies, involving

participation of the public at large, it is imperative

that Malaysians embrace the concept in toto to

ensure that we progress and prosper as

1Malaysia.

In summing up the concept of HANRUH, it is vital

that the citizens take cognisant of its underlying

principle of broadening the responsibility of

national defence; that is, the role of defending

the nation lies not entirely on the shoulders of the

armed forces, but also those of all Malaysians.

The concept spells out the need to engage all

citizens and provide them an avenue to work

hand in glove towards attaining the same

objectives when addressing issues of common

23

interest, especially this particular issue which has

brought me here today to share my thoughts with

and, that is, on terrorism.


On the national front, Malaysia has put in place

the strategy and mechanism that provide

guidelines to facilitate emergency response in the

event of terrorist attacks. These are clearly

stipulated under the National Security Council

Directive 18, commonly known as MKN18, which

involves the mobilisation of government

machinery.

And, along with it is the coming into play of the

three Cs, that is: cooperation, coordination and

continuation, which we have inherently adopted

in coming up with the series of seminars on

24

terrorism, from where contents of the three books

are derived.

Nevertheless, it is not our attention to lead when

dwelling on the subject matter, but merely to

partake in the role of major player in matters that

concern inter-agency cooperation, more

commonly referred to as Civil-Military Cooperation

or CIMIC.


Allow me to delve into one of the books, entitled

Maritime Terrorism not for any other reason,

but for the fact that the organisation of the

seminar in 2005 coincided with the issue of crime

in the Straits of Malacca, which was labelled as a

war zone by Lloyds of London. As a result, the

25

cost of shipping insurance sky-rocketed for liners

plying the route, which in turn affected trading.

Hence, it was to the credit of the Policy Division,

the Ministry of Defence and Universiti Teknologi

MARA as coorganisers, that the Seminar on

Maritime Terrorism and the Straits of Malacca

discussed at length the then prevailing

complexities vis--vis the issue of security and

armed robberies along the Straits of Malacca

waterways, which has been a popular route for

international navigation over the centuries.

After the storm in the teacup created by Lloyds, it

was a relief to know that there was no link

between the problem of armed robberies in the

Straits of Malacca and the act of terrorism, which

I would say is unlike the case of piracy in

26

Somalia. But even so, we must not discount the

possibility of such crime taking place considering

its strategic location. All it takes is ones desire to

make public a political statement for the Straits of

Malacca to become target not only of terrorist

element, but also sensational armchair news

reporting.

For instance, when Lloyds painted a negative

picture of the Straits in 2005 through its report on

38 cases of armed robberies, it was solely based

on the figure for 2004. What was missing from

Lloyds report was the steep decrease in the

incidence of armed robberies in subsequent years

with only 12 cases reported in 2005, 11 in 2006,

seven in 2007 and only two cases in 2008.

27

Although Lloyds eventually withdrew their

negative takes on security in the Straits of

Malacca, it left the littoral states of, Malaysia and

Singapore with an uphill task of undoing the

damage done through the report from the

insurance giant, to regain the confidence of the

international community.


While it is true that there is a need for a

wholesome domestic mechanism in facing the

threat of terrorism, the fact remains that there is

only so much one country can do on its own.

Although the financial implication of security has

always been among the top priorities of many

governments, it is not unlimited.

28

In modern warfare, non-traditional security

threats will always be the main concern. For

Malaysia, the issue is indeed of immediate

concern, in spite of the fact that our country does

not foresee any possible conventional external

threat in the near future, having progressed and

prospered with the binding concept of Prosper

Thy Neighbour. Such assurance is also derived

from our policy of fostering friendship through

extra-regional cooperation.

We have come a long way by adopting the ASEAN

way. Further strengthening this sense of security

is the establishment of a regional forum through

the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)

which subsumes under the ASEAN Security

Cooperation.

29

It is under this pillar that various military-based

forums are established to address the issues of

non-traditional security threats and transnational

crime, with a focus on acts of terrorism. Such

regional platforms would also enhance inter-

military cooperation among ASEAN Member

Countries.

Apart from the regional structure, the Ministry of

Defence will continue to enhance bilateral

cooperation and strategic alliance with countries

outside of ASEAN, including the United States, the

United Kingdom, Australia and China particularly

in the area of capacity building.

Ladies and gentlemen

30

Much as we are clear on the military role assumed

in the event of a terrorist attack, as stipulated in

the National Security directives, it would provide

us the edge to continue engaging in dialogues

and discourses such as we do today in the

quest for continuous improvement. After all, the

nature of transnational crime is non-traditional,

and when matters are of non-traditional nature,

they are unpredictable; they are out of the

common; and they are out of the usual.

It is thus based on such premises that the

Ministry of Defence will adopt an open concept to

encourage fresh ideas and welcome views and

perspectives from other government agencies or

the private sector, in the hope that this pooling of

resources and such meeting of minds would

empower us to pursue the ongoing efforts of

31

combating transnational crime and hence

contributing towards the elimination of terrorism

from our midst.


The business of security is neither cheap nor

easy. The extent of harm if security is left

unchecked is neither trivial nor easily undone. But

with close cooperation and a better appreciation

of a common stand at national and regional

level the economic implications would be easier

managed when it comes to managing terrorism.

On that note, we welcome a helping hand from

our foreign friends in support of our fight against

terrorism. What we lack in wisdom, we make up

with our eagerness to learn from the wise. What

32

we lack in knowledge, we make up with our

sincerity in sharing our past experiences in

managing terrorist elements. What we lack in

ideas, we make up with our desire to contribute

towards a better world in our war against

terrorism.

My wish is for us in the Ministry of Defence

Malaysia to maintain the partnership with

Universiti Teknologi MARA on matters of common

interest, on matters that would move us closer

towards realising the concept of 1Malaysia.

Keynote Address ByY.B Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

teks ucapan mp uitm shah alam 27 july 09

Documents