Youth Consultation on Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia

Zoom, 26 September 2024 一 INITIATE.MY hosted an online consultation on “Countering Online Extremism in Malaysia,” bringing together around 20 youth representatives and student-led organisations from across the country. The discussion focused on the growing misuse of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and AI technologies to spread divisive ideologies rooted in race, religion, and politics. Presentations highlighted critical findings on the manipulation of historical events, such as the May 13 racial riots, by far-right groups. These groups exploit conspiracy theories and societal fears to undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Researchers from INITIATE.MY proposed several actionable solutions, including the enhancement of AI-driven moderation tools guided by local expertise, the integration of peace education into the national curriculum, and the development of community-driven outreach initiatives to responsibly address historical grievances. Participants discussed strategies to counter extremist content, emphasising the importance of youth-led interventions and restorative justice to rehabilitate individuals spreading dangerous ideologies.

The consultation resulted in immediate outcomes, with youth leaders and organisations gaining greater awareness and practical tools to combat far-right extremism. Participants left with actionable strategies to address challenges like AI-driven misinformation and the exploitation of social media platforms such as TikTok. The event also reinforced INITIATE.MY’s role as a key organisation in mobilising youth-led efforts, building resilience against extremism, and fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

The consultation will inform INITIATE.MY’s research on online extremism and guide advocacy initiatives, including policies to integrate peace education into the national curriculum and strategies to combat hate and misinformation among youth. Participants expressed optimism about empowering youth organisations to lead inclusivity campaigns, improve digital literacy, and create safe spaces for dialogue. INITIATE.MY has done such a programme called Peace Lab for Religious Leaders and Thinkers (PLRT). These efforts are essential for protecting Malaysia’s democratic values and social cohesion.