PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants security laws to be implemented to tackle terrorist extremism in the country.
He said the enforcement of such laws would prevent the spread of terrorism.
"That is why I think, if there is a need for a national security act, that specifically aims to ensure domestic security, against external elements and influences, then so be it.
"I leave it to the police, military and other enforcement agencies to determine if there are elements that should be included which are not yet strong enough in our laws," he said in a speech at the launch of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) here today.
MyPCVE comprises four main pillars, which are prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and strengthening.
Each pillar has a strategic focus that outlines initiatives to be implemented by all parties, including enforcement agencies, policymakers and implementers.
This involves collaborative efforts with civil society organisations such as academics, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and local communities.
All four pillars adopt an integrated approach that combines both soft and hard approaches.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
Meanwhile, Anwar said such laws would likely face opposition from some quarters, but assured that the government would stand firm on this matter.
"Of course, there would be (those) who oppose this, but insya Allah, we will defend it.
"No matter how much we want this country to be mature… as a democracy, one thing we cannot accept is allowing the nation to become a platform for extremist groups."
Meanwhile, Anwar also called for monitoring on the issue of purveyors of violence and terror through schools, politics, departments and various groups.
He said any failure to monitor these issues early would lead to acts of violence as what was seen in many parts of the world.
He also defended the launch of MyPCVE, saying there is no partisan politics involved in these issues because the primary agenda is security and peace.
"If we want to express something, and if we want freedom, but we allow the country to fall apart, that is not freedom. That will open the door for the country to be conquered and cause chaos.
"The rakyat must understand the plan, and the necessity of these laws that do not restrict freedom but prohibit acts that lead to violence."
He said it would be useless when these negative elements spread widely and become too deeply entrenced within society. He said if that happens, it would be too late to act upon it.
"So, it should be monitored so that it does not become a widespread 'disease' in our country," he said.