TUARAN: The Malaysian and the United States (US) judiciary will ensure they put forward the best defence against terrorism across the globe.
Judges across the country are convening at a special workshop here to exchange information and share experiences to combat terrorism financing from a judicial perspective.
The three-day East Malaysia Judicial Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) Workshop, which started today, is the first of its kind organised by the US Embassy in the state.
Sabah and Sarawak Chief Judge Tan Sri Richard Malanjum was present to launch the event. Also in attandance were US Department of Justice's resident legal advisor (US Embassy) Karyn Kenny and Former US Attorney John W. Vaudreuil.
Speaking to reporters, Kenny stressed that cooperation between the two countries was vital so they could send a strong message to would-be terrorists.
"The judge is the finer arbitrator and whether it is a US or Malaysian judge, the judiciary is such an integral part in our fight against terrorism.
"The knowledge a judge has is not only critical for them to make a final and fair decision but also to let terrorism organisations know that this is a strong, educated and active judiciary which will take action.
"So for myself as a prosecutor, when the judges are aware and informed of what's happening it makes the proceedings more powerful and fair," she said.
In sentencing financial terrorism cases , Kenny also stressed on the need to target "the gatekeepers" - individuals involved in handling money to fund acts of terror.
"As someone who writes the cheque, you pull the trigger. We need to look at these people and they are the accountants, insurance brokers, and money managers, who know what's happening and what they're doing with the funds.
"However, we usually don't get them because they are white collar...we need to target them," she said.
Meanwhile, Malanjum said the knowledge gained from US enforcement officers was crucial.
"We don't want to be caught having cases and not knowing what to do. With this workshop, it will prepare us for any eventual case," he said.
To a question on the sentence against individuals convicted with terrorism financing in the country, Malanjum said in a case in Kota Kinabalu, a man was imprisoned for eight years.
In the US, Vaudreuil, who is also a Criminal Law and Trial Advocacy Specialist, said a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of travelling from US to Syria to fight for the Islamic State.
"That sentence is very consistent with the type of sentencing we've been seeing over the last two or three years. There are probably some 100 people convicted in the US and that sort of crime is either financing terrorism or providing material support or they want to go fight," he said.
Vaudreuil also noted the sentences reflect the danger posed by terrorists and the need to send a strong message to others to deter them from being radicalised.