Policy Brief Launch and Webinar on ‘How to Tackle Hate Speech, a Driver of Intolerance in Malaysia’
2022-06-28 14:00 - 16:30 (Asia/Shanghai)
Watch Recording here

Background

Hate speech plays a role in polarising society as it can lead to intolerant actions between groups of people. This is especially dangerous in Malaysia, where race and religion are often politicised by political and religious actors for political or personal gain. Things are also getting worse; following the 2018 general election, a spike of intolerant cases motivated by racism and religious hatred was reported by INITIATE.MY. In these cases, political and religious actors were observed to have used hate speech to stir public fear and anger, and mobilise protests and clashes. Although such actions are usually dealt with by the authorities through criminal prosecution, this is far from enough to tackle a multifaceted and complex problem such as hate speech. Legal reforms and restorative justice approaches must be prioritised as well to holistically tackle hate speech as the driver of intolerant actions by focusing on public education and providing redress mechanisms for victims of hate speech.

This webinar aims to discuss the problem with hate speech regulations in Malaysia and propose holistic recommendations to tackle hate speech that leads to intolerant actions.

Target Audience

Researchers, NGOs, policymakers and enforcement agencies (local and international)

Itinerary

1.30 pm – 1.55 pm | Arrival of Speakers
1.55 pm – 2.00 pm | Admission of Participants
2.00 pm – 2.10 pm | Introduction by Vinodh Pillai
2.10 pm – 2.25 pm | Presentation of Policy Brief by Hisham Muhaimi
2.25 pm – 3.15 pm | Discussion by Speakers
3.15 pm – 3.45 pm | Q&A with Participants
3.45 pm – 4.00 pm | Conclusion, Poll & Dispersal

Speakers

Vinodh Pillai
Independent Journalist

He is an independent journalist, editor and human rights advocate. He has spent most of his career platforming those without a voice and pushing for more stories of lived realities. He has done this through his previous work as a news reporter and human rights programme officer, and continues to do so on a freelance basis. His most recent written work, the Queer Lapis Sex Work Series, was published last year, and aimed at destigmatising sex work in Malaysia. Vinodh has had bylines on news portals such as Malaysiakini, Free Malaysia Today, CodeBlue and Cilisos. He was previously attached to civil society organisations like the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy (2019-2020) and the Centre for Independent Journalism (2020-2022), where he worked on health and freedom of expression/media freedom reforms, respectively. He is currently working with UNICEF Malaysia on a project highlighting the stories of children affected by migration. Vinodh holds a Bachelor’s degree in professional communications from the International University of Malaya-Wales.

Hisham Muhaimi
Project Officer,
Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

He is a Project Officer of the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) since 2021 and a member of KMU Malaysia since 2017. His active involvement includes conducting advocacy training, workshops and seminars with youths and other stakeholders to promote the inclusion of religious minorities and gender equality, and the prevention of violent extremism (PVE). He has an educational background in Shariah and law from the Islamic Science University of Malaysia.

Dr. Murni Wan Mohd Nor
Senior Lecturer,
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

She is a Senior Lecturer in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) holding a PhD in Law. Her focus is on the issue of hate speech, the harms it brings, and the need for specific legislation. Her current research interests extend to media representation on racial and religious issues, Islamophobia, as well as combating hate speech and fake news within the community. Dr Murni cares deeply for fostering racial unity and interfaith understanding; having written a number of published articles on the matter and organised successful interfaith dialogue sessions. She has held several consultancies on human rights and hate speech-related projects such as with The Centre, UNDP and CENTHRA. It is her hope that the usage of hate speech and its negative impact can be lessened through the introduction of a comprehensive and holistic framework to address hate speech.

YB Howard Lee
State Legislative Assemblyperson,
Pasir Pinji, Perak

He is a Malaysian politician, currently serving his second term as the Perak State Legislative Assemblyman for Pasir Pinji (N.27) as well as Democratic Action Party Central Executive Committee member. He has risen to the top of every youth political organisation he has been affiliated to, including the worlds’ largest Youth Political organisation in the world- the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) as its 24th President. During his tenure, he was the global focal point for SDG8 under the auspices of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY) He was also DAPSY (DAP’s Youth Wing) National Chief, and was also the Pakatan Harapan Youth National Chief. During the 22 months of Pakatan Harapan’s rule, He was the Perak State Government Executive Council Member for Youth & Sports Development. His specific areas of policy interests include Human Economy, Food security and supply, TVET, Tourism and service based economy.

Webinar Report 4/2022
1 file(s) 1.19 MB

Download

Policy Brief Launch and Webinar on ‘Mainstreaming Mediation as An Alternative Form of Conflict Resolution in Malaysia’
2022-07-28 14:00 - 16:00
Watch Recording here
Background
Malaysia prides itself on a unique pluralistic society comprising members from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. This peaceful coexistence and integration is possible due to the high level of compromise and tolerance between all ethnic and religious groups. While there have been dark moments that threatened the hard-won peace (such as the violent riots of May 1969), Malaysia has always managed to move past it and come back stronger.
Unfortunately, a worrying trend of interracial conflict is re-emerging in contemporary Malaysia. INITIATE.MY’s database captured an alarming increase in intergroup conflict motivated by religious hatred and racism, especially around the 2018 Malaysian general election. Among others, this trend was mobilised by far-right leaning actors who instigated fear and anger among their followers and a wider public sympathetic to their cause. Most attempts to resolve these conflicts were top-down and punitive in nature, which was ineffective over the long run.
Given the urgency, this webinar will explore the problem of intergroup conflict in Malaysia and propose mediation as an alternative option to prevent conflict and promote community resilience with full consideration of targeted stakeholders.

Target Audience
Researchers, NGOs, policymakers and enforcement agencies (local and international) in the fields of religious freedom and conflict resolution.

Itinerary
1.55 pm – 2.00 pm | Admission of Participants
2.00 pm – 2.10 pm | Introduction by Aizat Shamsuddin
2.10 pm – 2.25 pm | Presentation of Policy Brief by Eow Shiang Yen
2.25 pm – 3.15 pm | Discussion by Speakers
3.15 pm – 3.45 pm | Q&A with Participants
3.45 pm – 4.00 pm | Conclusion, Poll & Dispersal

Speakers
Aizat Shamsuddin,
Founder and Director,
Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)
He is an analyst and practitioner in the prevention of violent extremism (PVE), good governance, and human rights. He leads CSO-government preventive policy engagements, inter- and intra-faith dialogues, and more recently digital data developments to prevent extremism in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Besides, he founded Komuniti Muslim Universal in 2015 with other former radicalised youths to counter extremism with counternarratives. In recognition of his work in peace and security, he received Australia Awards scholarship from Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ASEAN in 2018. Then, he completed his master’s degree in 2020 specialising in counterterrorism, conflict studies and political Islam from the University of Melbourne. As part of his global network in counter-extremism initiatives, he is an alumnus of German Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations and American Council of Young Political Leaders since 2018. Aizat was also trained in Sharia and law for 5 years at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia. His altruistic hope is to make the world a better place.
Eow Shiang Yen,
Executive Committee,
Malaysian Youth Council (MBM)
He is the Executive Committee of the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) and holds the portfolio of unity, national integration, and consumerism. He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student in Community Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). His research focus is on maternal and infant gut health. He is also active and undertaking the leadership position in a number of youth- and religious-based organisations, including the General Secretary of Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM). He is a peace-loving and easy-going individual, and he enjoys working with people of different backgrounds and celebrating differences instead of magnifying them. He attended the Certificate in Inter-religious Mediation (CIRM) course co-organised by Department of Unity and National Integration and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 2019 and obtained the CIRM and Certificate of Foundational Mediation Practice, issued by the IIUM and Australiasian Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Consortium, respectively. He is also an alumnus of INITIATE.MY’s Peace Lab for Youth (PLY).
Puan Nurul Akmalina,
Deputy Director (Training Development Division),
National Integration Research and Training Institute (IKLIN)
She is the Deputy Director of Training and Development Division at the National Integration Research And Training Institute (ILKIN). She oversees the training of mediators under the Department of National Unity (PERPADUAN) for Certificate in Inter-religious Mediation (CIRM) course and recently known as Social Mediation between 2018 and 2022 to produce ‘community mediators’. She has the background of Political Sciences from the International Islamic University Malaysia. She is also a certified mediator. Prior to this, she worked at the PERPADUAN in both Selangor and Sabah before being transferred to the Putrajaya office serving as the Director of PERPADUAN. She then served as the Principal Assistant Secretary at the Interfaith Harmony Section, Community Relations Division of the Ministry of National Unity.
Santhira Kumar Madhavan,
Member, Malaysia Hindu Sangam’s Hindu Advisory Board
He is a member of Malaysia Hindu Sangam’s Hindu Advisory Board and a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Santhira Kumar Madhavan has a LLB background from University of London in 1992. He then became a student monk at the age of 24 soon after he graduated. He attended the Certificate in Inter-religious Mediation (CIRM) course co-organised by Department of Unity and National Integration and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in 2019 and obtained the CIRM and Certificate of Foundational Mediation Practice. He is a social worker who actively helps those who are struggling with identity crisis in their identification card such as Hindus who are classified as Muslims. Santhira is also a Spiritual Counselor, a teacher of Hindu scriptures and an accomplished cook.

Webinar Report 5/2022
1 file(s) 1.93 MB

Download

Early Findings on the Challenges and Needs of Former Security Detainees (FSDs) and Their Affected Family Members
2023-02-28 11:00 - 13:00
BackgroundCurrently, Malaysia is at the stage of finalising and soon launching its own National Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism (NAPPCVE or NAP). One of the focus clusters is the reintegration programme of former security detainees (FSDs) and their affected family members. FSDs are defined as those who were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2021, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 and Prevention of Crime Act 1959. In Malaysia, the reintegration programme with former prisoners in general is facilitated mainly by state actors, the government and enforcement authorities. However, there is a lack of resources given to the efforts to reintegrate FSDs and their affected family members back into the society. Last year, INITIATE.MY organised a series of consultations and interviews with about 50 participants from FSDs and their family members themselves, government agencies, enforcement authorities, lawyers, academicians, civil society organisations, to find out more about the challenges and needs of FSDs and their affected family members in the reintegration programme.Our findings show that because of the criminal record from the past security offences, they are facing difficulties in rejoining the society. This includes access to proper legal representation, employment opportunities, mental health services and meaningful participation on community activities.This webinar discusses INITIATE.MY early findings on the challenges and needs of FSDs and their affected family members as well as to propose recommendations on empowering the role of relevant stakeholders to play a part in deradicalisation efforts. Target Audience

P/CVE Researchers, NGOs, policymakers and enforcement agencies

Moderator

Azura Nasron,Program Manager, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)She is a graduate of Political Science who is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Malaya in the field of Southeast Asian Studies. Formally working in SUARAM, an NGO focusing on the repeal of draconian laws. Informally, she is the chair of student organisation – Gerakan Pembebasan Akademik, a founding member of Rekod Media, and also a member and contributing writer of Jurnal Sang Pemula; all three platforms focused on bringing forth ideas based on social justice.

Speakers

Hisham MuhaimiProject Coordinator,Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)He is a Project Coordinator and Researcher at the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) that is powered by Komuniti Muslim Universal (KMU Malaysia). Hisham joined KMU Malaysia in 2017 and has since been active in conducting advocacy training, workshops and seminars with youths and other stakeholders at the grassroots to promote the inclusion of religious minorities and gender equality, and the prevention of violent extremism (P/CVE). He is also active in participating in speaking engagements and is often quoted in the news media on the topic of religious freedom, hate speech and P/CVE. He spent 5 years studying laws and Shariah at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) from 2014 – 2019. He was also a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellow alumnus from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2018. Hisham is passionate about civic engagement, youth advocacy, community building and interfaith experience.

Dr. Mukhriz Mat RusSenior Lecturer,Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

He is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Before joining the academia, he served at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Malaysia as Deputy Public Prosecutor (2008 – 2015). He is also a qualified advocate and solicitor (Malaya). Dr. Mukhriz obtained LL.B (Hons) in 2007 from the International Islamic University of Malaysia and later LL.M from the National University of Malaysia in 2014.In 2019, he completed his Ph.D. (Criminal Justice & Counter-terrorism) at the School of law, University of Leeds, United Kingdom. His doctoral research is about the criminalisation approach in Malaysia’s counter-terrorism strategy. His areas of expertise and interest include international and domestic criminal law, criminal justice, counter-terrorism law and human rights law.

Debbie AffiantyDirector,Laboratory of Indonesian and Global Studies (LIGS), Muhammadiyah University, Jakarta

She is the Executive Director of the Laboratory of Indonesia and Global Studies (LIGS), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Muhammadiyah University, Jakarta. She was a member of the International Relations and Cooperation Institute (LHKI) Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah from the year 2015 to 2022. Debbie is now a member of the Research Division of Aisyiyah Board, which is the Muhammadiyah women’s wing.

She is also a member of the Streering Commitee of the Working Group on Women and Preventing Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) (WGWC). PCVE WGWC is a media of consolidating knowledge about the work of women and PCVE in Indonesia, by taking good and bad practices, civil society and government in implementing policies and women’s and PCVE programs. She specialises on how gender issues affect terrorism in Indonesia.

Train the Trainers Course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism
2023-05-08 08:00 - 2023-05-19 16:00
Kuala Lumpur, 8-19 May 2023 – Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch and Safe in Custody, successfully co-organised two series of the “Train-the-Trainers Course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism.” Over 60 participants from the Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch and the Crime Prevention and Community Safety (JPJKK) of the Royal Malaysia Police were actively engaged in this intensive two-week training program.

Mr. Ekraj Sabur from UNODC was welcoming the participants to the Train the Trainers course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism

Participants from the Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch and the Crime Prevention and Community Safety (JPJKK) were listening attentively to a briefing by Azura Nasron, Safe in Custody’s Program Manager.

The training program was designed to augment the participants’ proficiency as first responders in thwarting cases of violent extremism in Malaysia. The comprehensive course delved into a myriad of intricate concepts and theories, encompassing a deep comprehension of the multifaceted nature of both offline and online forms of violent extremism. It underscored the indispensable role of community policing in early detection of radicalisation indicators, emphasising the cultivation of trust within diverse communities. Furthermore, the course honed the participants’ interview skills, not solely to extract information but also to foster resilient societies that possess a heightened awareness and a cooperative spirit in the prevention of extremist ideologies within their respective domains. Additionally, the training underscored the importance of effective reporting techniques, highlighting the meticulous collection of crucial information to construct evidence-based cases that facilitate targeted intervention and countermeasures.

Distinguished experts were carefully selected to serve as resource persons for this training program. Among them were Dr. Haezreena Begum, a scholar specialising in law and security crime prevention from Universiti Malaya (UM), and Dr. Mukhriz Mat Rus, an academic with expertise in the same field from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Complementing their knowledge was Dr. Chung Kai Li, an expert in forensic psychology from the University of Reading Malaysia. Notably, the training also benefited from the extensive experience of DCP Normah Ishak, the Chief of Counterterrorism Police (E8), who has served in the police force for over three decades. Reflecting E8’s current focus on preventive measures against violent extremism in light of the decline in terror-related cases, the importance of community policing was underscored as a crucial aspect to be fostered.

DCP Normah Ishak, the Chief of Counterterrorism Police (E8) was conveying her thoughts and expectations for the course during the opening speech.

Mr. Timo Goosman, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political Affairs, Press and Information was delivering his opening speech which highlighted the historical moment for law enforcement agencies and the civil society organisations.

This training program represents a landmark collaboration between civil society and law enforcement in the security sector of Malaysia. It symbolises a commendable demonstration of willingness and concerted efforts from both sides to pool resources and effectively address security challenges. By enhancing the capacity of the police force and providing a platform for mutual learning between civil society and law enforcement, this collaboration exemplifies a comprehensive and inclusive approach in line with the United Nations Security Council’s mandate. It underscores the understanding that preventing violent extremism necessitates the active involvement and collective engagement of all stakeholders across society.

The training program was part of UNODC’s Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism (STRIVE ASIA) initiative, generously funded by the European Union. The presence and opening speeches of Mr. Timo Goosman, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political Affairs, Press and Information, and Mr. Ekraj Sabur, UNODC’s Terrorism Prevention Officer, further underscored the support of the program’s objectives. Mr. Hisham Muhaimi, INITIATE.MY’s Project Coordinator, Aizat Shamsuddin, INITIATE.MY’s Founder and Azura Nasron, Safe in Custody’s Program Manager, who were the main coordinators of this training, have already begun discussions regarding the possibility of future advanced courses in the next quarter of the year.

Capacity-Building Workshop on Strategic Communication for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
2023-05-29 08:00 - 2023-06-08 17:00 | Kuala Lumpur
This short video was produced by Ridho Ristiyanto that features the activities throughout the first series of the Strategic Communication Workshop.

Kuala Lumpur, 29 May-8 June 2023 – Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) co-organised two series of “Capacity Building Workshop on Strategic Communication for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE)”. This workshop brought together over 60 participants from various sectors including government agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs), as well as youth leaders and activists, providing them with essential knowledge and skills in understanding and implementing strategic communications in their respective fields.

Throughout the duration of the training course, participants embarked on a comprehensive exploration of Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE) within the realms of both online and offline contexts. Dr. Mukhriz Mat Rus, an esteemed academic from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), served as a resource person, sharing his invaluable insights and expertise on the subject matter. Additionally, the participants were presented with compelling case studies from INITIATE.MY’s team, drawing from their extensive database. These case studies shed light on incidents of IMVE, including instances of on-campus radicalisation and the proliferation of dangerous online narratives on platforms such as TikTok, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022 general election.

Insightful session on “Understanding Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE)” by Dr. Mukhriz Mat Rus from UUM.

The workshop’s main trainer, Dr. Noor Huda Ismail from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), delivered his expertise on strategic communications, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the various components within this field. One notable highlight of the workshop was the screening of the influential and thought-provoking documentary film “Kembali Ke Titik” (Return to the Starting Point), a collaborative effort between Dr. Ismail and Mr. Ridho Dwi Ristiyanto. This documentary presented a compelling narrative about a former terrorist fighter who returned to his family, serving as a powerful medium to effectively convey impactful messages and raise awareness among a wider audience.

In addition to Dr. Ismail’s contributions, local practitioners in art, media, mediation, and research from organisations such as the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Anomalist Production, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Institute of Research and National Integration Training (IKLIN), MyCheck Malaysia and IMAN Research shared their best practices, along with the challenges they face and strategies to overcome them. Their profound insights provided diverse perspectives on countering hate and promoting inclusive narratives across a wide range of platforms and mediums. These invaluable tools are essential for fostering and safeguarding the multi-religious and ethnic diversity of Malaysia.

Interactive session on the introduction to strategic communications session by Dr. Noor Huda Ismail from RSIS.

Another part of the training emphasised the practical application and customisation of key communication principles and techniques in participants’ group projects. By equipping participants with essential tools and knowledge, the training aimed to enable meaningful engagement with target audiences and deepen their understanding of the risks and consequences related to violent extremism.

It is worth noting that this training program was part of UNODC’s Strengthening Resilience to Violent Extremism (STRIVE ASIA) initiative, which received generous funding from the European Union. The presence and opening speeches of esteemed individuals such as Mr. Timea Magony, Junior Professional in Delegation (JPD), Mr. Ekraj Sabur, UNODC’s Terrorism Prevention Officer, and Aizat Shamsuddin, INITIATE.MY’s Founder, further underscored the strong support for the program’s objectives. Mr. Hisham Muhaimi, INITIATE.MY’s Project Coordinator and the main coordinator of the training, emphasised the importance of ongoing support for the program’s continuation and the implementation of participants’ projects in future rounds.

Participants from various backgrounds including NGOs, creative industry and student associations were brainstorming in their own group on the utilisation of social media to counter violent extremism.

TikTok Community Partner Channel
2023-06-26 01:30 - 17:00
Petaling Jaya, 26 June 2023 – INITIATE.MY, alongside the Center for Independent Journalism, BERSIH, Jom Check, and Pusat Komas, has partnered with TikTok Malaysia through Community Partner Channel to bolster civic engagement and ensure election integrity in the country. As a community partner, INITIATE.MY will play a crucial role in monitoring and countering the dissemination of harmful content that incites hate and violence, particularly in the lead-up to critical events like elections. This initiative aligns with INITIATE.MY’s commitment to combat extremist behaviours including within the digital landscape and foster responsible use of social media.

TikTok with other leading organisations such as BERSIH, CIJ Malaysia, INITIATE.MY, Jom Check and Pusat KOMAS sharing insights on the Malaysia GE15th. (Photo credit ByteDance)

First Advanced Course: Train-the-Trainers Courses on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism
2023-08-01 08:00 - 2023-08-03 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 1-3 August 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch, and Safe in Custody, achieved a newer milestone by co-hosting the “First Advanced Course: Train-the-Trainers Course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism.”

This intensive one-week training served as a continuation of the previous initial series held in May 2023. This training brought together over 30 alumni and new participants from the Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch of the Royal Malaysia Police. The event featured six distinguished speakers representing Malaysian universities, civil society organisations, and a prominent law firm who had shared their expert insights with the participants.

The course provided a comprehensive curriculum aimed at enhancing the skillset for enforcement officials. It specifically focused on the key aspects of evidence and human rights in the investigation and prosecution phases. For example, participants delved into learning the legal principles and procedures of the Malaysian evidence law and localised international framework of “Do No Harm” in dealing with high-risk suspects as well as adopting multi-stakeholder and gender-sensitive approaches in the overall counterterrorism responses.

The first session on “Human Rights and Policing: Building Trust and Safeguarding Suspect Rights” was delivered by Dr. Haezreena Begum, Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaya.

An exclusive highlight of the event was a dialogue session featuring a former security convict, Yazid Supaat. His insights and experiences in rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) were invaluable. Participants actively engaged in the moderated discussion, identifying strengths and challenges within Malaysia’s R&R programme and collaboratively exploring strategies for improvement.

Yazid Supaat (on the left) shared his unique testimony and insights from his experience as a former security convict during the second session (on the left).

During a dedicated session on the Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS), participants gained practical insights on responding to various levels of violent extremism risk. They also learned to identify key stakeholders responsible for addressing these risks. The exercise implemented in this session underscored the collective responsibility shared among stakeholders, emphasising that responding to threats of violent extremism extends beyond the domain of law enforcement officials alone.

Aizat Shamsuddin from INITIATE.MY presented on the Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS) as a collaborative tool for multi-stakeholders in PCVE efforts.

The course’s concluding segment featured a “mock trial” designed to apply the acquired knowledge, particularly in the realm of evidence and human rights, to the handling of legal proceedings related to terrorism. This exercise aimed to sharpen participants’ investigative skills, enhance their ability to prepare evidence meticulously, and refine their oratory skills for effectively presenting cases in court.

The mock trial session, facilitated by Salim Bashir, Advocate and Solicitor at Salim Bashir, Ruswiza & Co, delved into the practical application of evidence and human rights in simulated criminal proceedings.

Looking forward, INITIATE.MY is committed to fortifying this partnership as a dynamic co-learning space within the security sector. This collaboration has not only bolstered the capacity building of law enforcement officials but has also significantly heightened awareness and fostered valuable networking among partner organisations in recognising the complex role of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding national security.

Second Advanced Course: Train-the-Trainers Course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism
2023-09-12 08:00 - 2023-09-14 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 12-14 September 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch and Safe in Custody, had successfully co-organised the “Second Advanced Course: Train-the-Trainers Course on Community Engagement for Prevention of Violent Extremism.”

This intensive one-week training served as a continuation of the previous series held in August 2023. This training brought together over 30 alumni and new participants from the Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch of the Royal Malaysia Police. The event featured six distinguished speakers representing Malaysian universities and civil society organisations, and UNODC office in Malaysia and Bangkok who had shared their expert insights with the participants.

Timo Goosman, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political Affairs, Press and Information was delivering his opening speech by conveying his positive hopes on the Advanced Course series.

The course aimed to further enhance the skillset of the participants in operational, training, and mentorship capacities for the law enforcement officials to engage communities at large, criminal suspects and government agencies in counterterrorism responses. The training commenced with a session on “Advanced Evidence Collection: Effective Management of Experts in Collaborative Approaches to Legal Processes” that explored the role of experts in the criminal justice process, particularly during investigations, pre-trials and trials.

Participants were exposed to terrorism-related offences that require expert assessment, the eligibility of the experts, the challenges of dealing with experts, and how to overcome them. Understanding these technical concepts would help participants in the investigation process particularly in evidence gathering and foster a meaningful collaboration with credible experts in the field.

Insightful session on “Advanced Evidence Collection: Effective Management of Experts in Collaborative Approaches to Legal Processes” delivered by Dr. Mukhriz Mat Rus, senior lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Besides that, the session on “Mastering the Art of Countering Terrorism Financing” covered the sophisticated trends of anti-money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/TF), international and national legal frameworks governing AML/TF and the roles of different agencies to collaborate in financial intelligence sharing.

Furthermore, this course also cultivated investigative methods such as the “Reid Investigative Technique”, the criticism revolving around it, and how the Planning, Engaging, Account, Closure and Evaluation (PEACE) interview method could be a better alternative. This would instil a more structured and systematic way to interview suspects in accordance with the human rights and “Do No Harm” principles.

Vickram Ragunanth from UNODC Malaysia Office presenting on “Investigative Interviewing: Capturing the Story Between The Lines.”

INITIATE.MY is resolutely committed to serving as a vital bridge, fostering strong connections between government agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) within Malaysia’s security sector. As we look ahead to the release of the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (NAPPCVE), it becomes increasingly evident that this plan should not merely be a document but it should act as a catalyst, facilitating extensive collaborations between the government and CSOs through well-defined mechanisms and initiatives. This collaborative synergy will be instrumental in effectively addressing the complex challenges posed by violent extremism in Malaysia and the region.

Advanced Capacity Building Course on Strategic Communications for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism
2023-09-19 08:00 - 2023-09-21 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 19-21 September 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) co-organised the “Advanced Capacity Building Course on Strategic Communications for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism”. This training brought together 30 participants from various sectors including government agencies, law enforcement bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs) especially youth leaders and activists.

The advanced course represented an in-depth continuation of the initial series in May and June 2023. This training aimed to provide the participants with essential knowledge and skills in understanding and applying strategic communications in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).

Ekraj Sabur from UNODC was welcoming the participants to the Advanced Capacity Building Course on Strategic Communications for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism.

Shaik Irfan, a researcher at INITIATE.MY was briefing the participants on housekeeping rules for the workshop.

During the training, participants engaged with a diverse range of topics, including the stocktaking analysis on Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism (IMVE) and the framework of PCVE communication, which delved into topics like framing, messaging, and audience analysis.

Led by Dr. Noor Huda Ismail from Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), the course further scrutinised extremist narratives, offering insights into both successful and unsuccessful attempts to counter them through various case studies. Understanding the intricate psychology of communication was a focal point in this training. It covers cognitive biases, psychological factors influencing perception and belief formation, and the impact of emotions on messaging and audience engagement.

An interactive session on “Strategies for Social Media and Digital Platforms Utilisation for P/CVE Messaging” delivered by Dr. Noor Huda Ismail from RSIS.

The course also examined the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator in the case of terrorism, focusing on the interrelatedness of the narratives, roles, and identities of victimhood for both the victims and perpetrators.

Perassath Servai, a participant of the Advanced Course was sharing his thoughts on the victim-perpetrator relationship to other participants.

Moreover, the session on “Creative Non-Fiction to Challenge Violent Extremist Narratives” underscored the potential of storytelling in countering extremist narratives. Through emotional connection, nuanced framing, and the promotion of critical thinking, a good storytelling can become an effective tool in crafting counternarratives to build resilience against extremism. Participants learned to incorporate creative non-fiction techniques into their communication strategies to create alternative peaceful narratives and highlight the dangerous effects of extremism.

Nurnadiah Natasya from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) was presenting her input during the project pitch session.

Overall, this advanced course highlights the multi-stakeholder involvement, with a particular emphasis on engaging the youth demographic to fortify PCVE initiatives aimed at bolstering social resilience. Confronted by the alarming surge in hate speech, disinformation, and the proliferation of violent content in Malaysia, the strategic use of PCVE-oriented communications emerges as a paramount tool for countering these threats.

Recognising that this training should not be a one-off engagement, 12 exceptional participants will be chosen to represent Malaysia to present their innovative PCVE strategic communications projects at the forthcoming Strategic Communications Festival in Bali, Indonesia.

Group 2 pitched their project of “Teh Tarik and Rojak” symbolising the food that unites all Malaysians regardless of one’s race and religion.

Conference on (Re)Assessing the Threat of Violent Extremism and Radicalisation in Malaysia
2023-09-26 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 26 September 2023 – Malaysia’s School of Politics, History, and International Relations (PHIR) of the University of Nottingham convened an international conference on extremism and radicalisation at the Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre (KLTC).

In the roundtable session, speakers and participants delved into the dynamics of recruitment into violent extremism and effective strategies for its mitigation. The panel featured prominent figures including INITIATE.MY’s founder and director, Aizat Shamsuddin, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Normah Ishak from the Counterterrorism Unit (E8) Special Branch, Kenimrod Sariburaja from the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT), Zan Azlee from Fat Bidin Productions, Adlyss Adnan from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia, and Huda Ramli from Sisters in Islam (SIS).

During the discussion, Aizat stressed the criticality of data-driven analysis for assessing the evolving landscape of violent extremism. In the post-IS era, terrorist recruitment methods have evolved, becoming more sophisticated in addition to traditional approaches. Terrorist organisations have harnessed various technologies to target broader demographics, enticing individuals into more complex roles, including the dissemination of propaganda and fundraising online.

Furthermore, drawing from INITIATE.MY’s research, Aizat emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of violent extremism. This understanding should encompass the emergence of right-wing radicalisation in Malaysia, fueled by networks espousing ethno-nationalist ideologies. This stands in contrast to the predominant focus on Islamist ideologies within policymaking and academic literature. By recognising this phenomenon, policymakers can formulate more effective responses to mitigate potential risks that threaten social cohesion and national security.

Aizat Shamsuddin (third from the right) emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of violent extremism. This understanding should encompass the emergence of right-wing radicalisation in Malaysia, fueled by networks espousing ethno-nationalist ideologies.

LUMINATE's Youth Rountable Discussion
2023-10-02 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 2 October 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in a Youth Roundtable Discussion organised by the LUMINATE Foundation. The workshop gathered 28 youth leaders from various backgrounds in the civil society sector. The workshop’s primary aim encompassed a collaborative exchange of best practices in fostering youth participation and engagement, aspirations and experiences of young activists and researchers.

The roundtable explored various aspects of working in the social impact industry from the perspective of a youth person. It also served as a space to recenter participants on their involvement in the social impact and why it matters to them. The roundtable discussion also explored other topics such as professional growth, mental health and financial responsibilities.

INITIATE.MY applauds Luminate Foundation for offering a valuable platform to young professionals engaged in the social impact sector. INITIATE.MY firmly believes that such a space is essential for enabling youth to connect with like-minded individuals who share their dedication to driving positive social change including in social cohesion and tolerance.

It allows them to openly discuss the challenges encountered in the civil society profession and collectively brainstorm solutions. The objective is to cultivate an inclusive ecosystem that empowers youth, placing a strong emphasis on incorporating youth perspectives and leadership.

2023 International Conference and AMAN Assembly
2023-10-14 08:00 - 2023-10-16 17:00
Banda Aceh, 14-16 October 2023 – The Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) along with Fakultas Syariah & Hukum of Universitas Islam Negeri Ar-Raniry co-organised an International Conference and AMAN Assembly 2023 with the theme ‘Religious Inclusion and Peacebuilding in the World: The Perspective of Muslims.

The conference involved about 500 participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The AMAN Assembly provided a space amongst Muslims and other faith leaders and communities to share good practices on religious harmony, interfaith dialogue, women empowerment and democracy. The event comprised study visits to historical sites in Aceh, a two-day international conference, and an internal AMAN meeting.

Representing the Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), Hisham Muhaimi participated as a panellist in a parallel workshop titled ‘Dialogue on Violent Extremism and the Involvement of Women and Youth,’ alongside panellists from Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Hisham began by contextualising the situation concerning women, youth, and violent extremism in Malaysia. He then shared INITIATE.MY’s best practices in supporting the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. During his presentation, he highlighted the limited engagement of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Malaysia and the government’s lack of meaningful involvement with CSOs, which can hinder their ability to make an impact in the community.

Emphasising the importance of training CSO actors in PCVE, Hisham stressed that such exposure is necessary to encourage more CSOs to incorporate the PCVE framework into their programming initiatives.

Additionally, at the conference, Hisham moderated an open mic session featuring ten youth changemakers from Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. The session revolved around the topic ‘Reinventing Nonviolent Civil Resistance: Youth Peaceful Movement and Technology.’ Each youth participant shared their experiences about their work in their respective countries and advancing nonviolent civil resistance such as in the contexts of Myanmar and some regions in India, particularly from the perspectives of youth and technology. This session fostered a collaborative environment for various stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue for peaceful coexistence .

Hisham Muhaimi (at the podium) was moderating an open mic session involving 10 youth changemakers from South and Southeast Asia

Panellists on “Dialogue on Violent Extremism and the Involvement of Women and Youth” receiving tokens of appreciation from the host, AMAN Indonesia.

Selection Announcement: 2023 Strategic Communications Festival in Bali, Indonesia
2023-11-03 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 3 November 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) would like to congratulate participants from Group 4 and 2 for being selected to represent Malaysia in the upcoming regional Strategic Communications Festival that is set to take place in Bali, Indonesia this December 2023.

Group 4 members are Kennimrod Sariburaja from the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT), Yustina Ishak from the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Perasath Servai a freelance videographer, Irdina Azira from Universiti Malaya (UM), Jonathan Glenn Wong from Victoria University Student Council and Raja Nur Hidayah from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Group 2 members are Elisa Shafiqah from Malaysian Youth Diplomacy, Afiq Ismaizam from the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT), Sharifah Nursyafiqah from The Rakyat Post, Dr. Alfonso from the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and Peter Chew MingCong from the Victoria University Student Council.

The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) will host the festival that features selected participants from national-level trainings that were held in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines throughout the year of 2023. Participants will showcase their strategic communications projects on preventing violent extremism within their own respective contexts. The objective is to facilitate the regional exchange of best practices in the field of PCVE, with an emphasis on the crucial role of strategic communications in averting the risks of radicalisation in the online and offline spaces.

Kennimrod, Jonathan, Yustina, Pera (from left at the back) Irdina and Nurhidayah (from left at the front) from Group 4 are the first selected group to represent Malaysia in the upcoming Strategic Communications Festival hosted by UNODC this December 2023.

Afiq, Elisa, Sharifah, Dr. Alfonso and Peter (from left to right) from Group 2 are the second selected group to represent Malaysia.

Workshop on Youth, Gender, and Preventing Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia
2023-11-29 08:00 - 2023-11-30 17:00
Bali, Indonesia, 29-30 November 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in the workshop on Youth, Gender, and Preventing Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia organised by the Pacific Forum in collaboration with the US Indo-Pacific Command Office of Women, Peace, and Security (USINDOPACOM). The focus was on exploring the intersection of youth, gender, and preventing violent extremism (PCVE) in Southeast Asia.

The workshop brought together participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, representing security agencies, youth and women’s civil society actors. The objective was to build relationships between security personnel and grassroots organisations that are focused on addressing extremism through women, peace, and security (WPS) and youth, peace, and security (YPS) by connecting civil society and security institutions. Bringing together actors working in PCVE sectorat the local, national, and regional levels, and enabling a better understanding of incorporating gender and youth perspectives into PCVE efforts at the institutional level.

INITIATE.MY’s Board of Experts, Dr. Mukhriz Mat Rus led a session discussing his work on PCVE from gender and youth perspectives. He emphasised the vital role of women as the first responders in a domestic household and the urgent need to link Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SBGV) to extremism. He also highlighted INITIATE.MY’s work such as Peace Lab Youth (PLY), Train-the-Trainers for Community Engagement and Strategic Communications training series that serve as testaments to the multi-stakeholders approach being practised in Malaysia. At the end of the session, Dr. Mukhriz explained the limitations faced by the civil society and the need for support from government security agencies such as funding constraints and limited expertise.

The workshop managed to enlighten government security agencies about the importance of including gender and youth perspectives in PCVE efforts. This heightened awareness lays the foundation for crafting more inclusive and effective strategies that resonate with diverse walks of communities. The workshop also successfully facilitated closer ties between security stakeholders and grassroots organisations to ensure a comprehensive and community-driven approach to preventing violent extremism.

INITIATE.MY strongly supports this effort of continuous knowledge-sharing across maritime Southeast Asia to foster a stronger multi-sectoral collaboration between government security agencies and civil society organisations.

The event drew government security agencies, youth and women’s civil society actors from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Regional Dialogue on Multi-Sectoral Partnership to Prevent Violent Extremism & EWERS Report at UNODC Training
2023-11-29 08:00 - 2023-11-30 17:00
Penang, 29-30 November 2023 – The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (UNODC-ROSEAP) organised the Regional Dialogue on Multi-Sectoral Partnership aimed to to advance the collective regional response to violent extremism and promote the development of more resilient communities in Southeast Asia. The format of the conferences focused on opportunities and threats analyses, best practices identification, research findings sharing, and partnership strategising. INITIATE.MY was invited to speak in several sessions of this dialogue in this workshop.

Hisham Muhaimi, Project Coordinator of INITIATE.MY joined other UNODC consultants from Indonesia and the Philippines in the session “Exploring Government and Civil Society Collaboration in PCVE”. Hisham’s presentation focused on the Malaysian context based on the 7 series of national workshops in Malaysia held between May to September 2023. The workshop series focused on community engagement and strategic communications involving enforcement officials, government agencies, civil society, academia, media practitioners, and students. Read more..

Hisham highlighted the ongoing challenges that impede meaningful collaboration between government entities and civil society organisations (CSOs). He emphasised the government has a pivotal role in allocating more funding and resources specifically dedicated to PCVE initiatives. One approach to overcome this challenge is by prioritising PCVE in the national budget allocation. Then dedicated funding streams or grant applications can be ensured for both government agencies and CSOs to have access to financial support for joint initiatives. He also recommended that capacity building training should be a regular effort to empower both government agencies and CSOs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively engage in PCVE initiatives. By investing in this effort, Malaysia can move towards a collaborative approach in addressing the complex challenges posed by violent extremism.

In another session, Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder of INITIATE.MY, participated in a panel discussion alongside distinguished speakers from Indonesia and the Philippines, focusing on the Early Warning and Early Response System (EWERS). He emphasised EWERS as a crucial framework and tool for comprehensive assessment of violent extremism risks. This approach enables the early identification of risks, facilitating timely and appropriate responses to prevent escalation.

Drawing from INITIATE.MY’s extensive research and training initiatives with law enforcement, Aizat posited that EWERS can be effectively adapted by various stakeholders according to their specific organisational mandates and requirements. This approach allows for the decentralisation of responsibilities in addressing violent extremism risks by reducing the burden traditionally placed on police alone.

In alignment with the Malaysian government’s development of the National Action Plan on Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism (NAPPCVE), Aizat proposed three key strategies: Firstly, continued investment in the research and development of collaborative EWERS is vital to address any gaps. Secondly, investing in training programmes to enhance the capabilities of EWERS implementers. Lastly, fostering cross-sectoral trust to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these collaborative efforts in countering violent extremism.

Hisham Muhaimi (second from right), Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY was sharing his insights on the space for collaboration between government and civil societies in the effort to prevent violent

Regional Workshop on Strategic Communication for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia
2023-12-12 08:00 - 2023-12-14 17:00
Bali, Indonesia, 12-14 December 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in the Regional Workshop on Strategic Communication for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia, organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the support from European Union (EU). Participants from the regional governments, law enforcement agencies, civil societies, and survivors of terrorism across Southeast Asia engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas, sharing their experiences and best practices and discussing innovative strategies for impactful communication campaigns and regional cooperation to prevent violent extremism.

The event was led by Dr. Noor Huda Ismail from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, and Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid from the University of Malaya, Malaysia who is also INITIATE.MY’s Board of Experts Member. The first session lays the foundation of the workshop, with participants presenting an analysis of the terrorism threat landscape and the challenges of preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) in their respective countries. The Malaysian delegation, represented by Afiq Ismaizam from the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Shaik Irfan from INITIATE.MY and Elisa Shafiqah from Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MYDiplomacy) took the opportunity to share the Malaysian context regarding the online trends of extremism and hate speech, on-campus radicalisation, and the role of local communities and civil society to address these issues.

Besides that, the workshop served as a continuation of prior strategic communications workshops in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in which the participants could showcase their own national projects. Group 4 from Malaysia presented their projects on ‘Instant Prejudice in Malaysian Online Reporting’, an analysis of media reports on racial issues, and the online campaign ‘Take Two’, which aimed to promote awareness on ethical usage of social media. Participants had the chance to do a site visit to Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF), where they immersed themselves in the local cultures and learned to utilise arts, literature, and multiculturalism to promote social cohesion, interreligious harmony, in their strategic communications projects.

The concluding day featured an in-depth discussion on the Role of Strategic Communication in Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) with Dr. Delsy Ronnie, Head of Mission in the Philippines & Regional Representative for Asia: Myanmar, Thailand & Indonesia, Nonviolent Peaceforce, Philippines. Participants were exposed to the EWER system to employ a whole-of-society approach for preventing extremism at the local level through strategic communications such as community participation in the data collection, information sharing and timely interventions.

As to measuring the outcomes and effectiveness of the workshop, participants are required to present their group’s strategic communications projects, by highlighting the cross-regional approach in PCVE. Shaik Irfan from INITIATE.MY collaborated with representatives from Indonesia and the Philippines national security bodies to develop a strategic communications project called “Vibin”. It is a social media campaign targeted at fostering digital resilience among Southeast Asian youths.

Looking forward, INITIATE.MY hopes to forge a lasting impact and enhance security across Southeast Asia.By strengthening strategic ties between countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, a more concerted effort can be made in addressing the challenges posed by extremism in the regional context of Southeast Asia.

14 participants of the Advanced Course were selected to represent Malaysia in the Regional Workshop on Strategic Communications for Effective Prevention of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia.

Shaik Irfan, a Programme Associate at INITIATE.MY presenting the terrorism threats and challenges in PCVE in Malaysia to fellow participants from Indonesia and the Philippines.

Study Visit to Kajang Women’s Prison
2023-12-19 08:00 - 17:00
Kajang, Selangor, 19 December 2023 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in a study visit to Kajang Women’s Prison, organised by Dr. Haezreena Begum, a Board of Expert Member at INITIATE.MY and Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya. The visit provided insights into the vocational programmes offered to women inmates, including baking, sewing, handcrafting, and spa services. These initiatives aim to facilitate the inmates’ rehabilitation by developing their skills and enabling their reintegration into society. Products such as cookies and batik items, produced by the inmates, are sold to the public under the My Pride brand. While the immediate financial impact may be modest, these programmes offer inmates the opportunity to earn income and gain valuable skills during their time in prison.

INITIATE.MY views the study visit as a valuable opportunity for meaningful exchanges between academia, civil society practitioners, prison officials, and inmates. It fosters understanding of Malaysia’s prison system, sheds light on the challenges faced by both the prison department and inmates, and explores avenues for improvement, particularly in terms of facility upgrades and effective reintegration programmes upon inmates’ release.

Aizat Shamsuddin and Hisham Muhaimi (third row on the left) from INITIATE.MY participated in the study visit to Kajang Women’s Prison.

Expert Consultation Series on Online Hate and Violent Extremism
2024-01-24 08:00 - 2024-01-30 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 24-30 January 2024– The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) has successfully organised Expert Consultation Series on Online Hate and Violent Extremism, which brought together more than 50 participants, representing civil society organisations, academia, tech and media companies, and government agencies. This project is supported by the British High Commission in Malaysia.

These consultation series provided insightful feedback and suggestions on the dangerous trends of online hate and violent extremism in Malaysia following the 2022 General Election in Malaysia. Participants also identified existing efforts and ways to improve these efforts to combat the dangerous trends.

The consultation featured guest speakers such as Dr. Nawab Osman, Global Head of the Dangerous Organisations and Individuals Programme at Meta, Dr. Sabariah Mohamed Salleh, Coordinator at JomCheck Malaysia, and Kennimrod Sariburaja, Director of Research and Publication at Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT).

INITIATE.MY aims to harness the insights gathered from the consultation series to develop and enhance multi-sectoral policy recommendations. These recommendations will be instrumental in addressing the concerning rise of hate and violent extremism in the digital realm, ultimately fostering safer environments, both online and offline, for Malaysia’s diverse multi-racial and religious society.

Suyin Chia and Daniel Teoh, researchers at INITIATE.MY presenting the dangerous trends of online hate and violent extremism within Malaysia’s digital landscape.

INITIATE.MY with the consultation participants from the Malaysian government agencies.

ASEAN-Australia Counter-Terrorism Workshop
2024-01-30 08:00 - 2024-01-31 17:00
Bali, Indonesia, 30-31 January 2024 – The Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY) participated in the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Terrorism Workshop. This event focused on Good Practice Approaches to Countering Violent Extremism, Hate Speech, and Disinformation Online. It was co-hosted by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)-Indonesia and Australia and facilitated by the Asia Foundation.

The workshop addressed the growing concern of online hate speech, disinformation, and violent extremist content in Southeast Asia, which have seen a significant rise over recent years. These dangerous narratives, easily disseminated through accessible social media and technology platforms have posed a risk of radicalisation, particularly to vulnerable communities and groups.

The workshop brought together representatives from diverse sectors, including technology and social media companies, and relevant civil society organisations from ASEAN member states and beyond. Discussions centred on sharing experiences and recommendations to tackle the misuse of the internet for radicalisation and violent extremism, balancing security needs with human rights considerations.

Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder of INITIATE.MY, contributed to the panel on ‘The Role of Social Media Companies, Civil Society, and Public-Private-People Partnerships’. He highlighted trends in Malaysia where online dissemination of hate and extreme narratives often escalates during political events and controversies related to race and religion. These narratives risk transitioning from online spaces to real-world actions, including boycotts, rallies, and violent attacks.

Aizat emphasised INITIATE.MY’s commitment to multi-sectoral partnerships in preventing violent extremism, including research and sharing findings with law enforcement and social media companies. He stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, urging for dynamic engagement under the National Plan of Action on Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism (NAPPCVE), led by the Home Affairs Ministry, to effectively preserve social harmony and prevent radicalisation.

The ASEAN-Australia Counter-Terrorism Workshop organised by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)-Indonesia and Australia and facilitated by the Asia Foundation.

Luminate Discussion on Inclusivity
2024-03-04 08:00 - 17:00
Petaling Jaya, 4 March 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in a discussion organised by Luminate Foundation, dedicated to fostering inclusivity in Malaysia. The event brought together a diverse ensemble of civil society organisers, independent consultants and researchers in Klang Valley.

The discussion revolved around participants’ visions of an inclusive Malaysia and collaborative strategies to realise these visions. INITIATE.MY actively contributed to the discussion by highlighting the organisation’s strengths in working with government agencies and data development to counter extremism and promote social cohesion. There is also a shared recommendation for improved funding mechanisms for CSOs to increase their work impact.

The discussion provided feedback also for future endeavours on improving inclusivity in Malaysia, identifying future needs for foundations that would want to work on this in Malaysia as well as partner organisations.

For INITIATE.MY, this was a great platform for knowledge enhancement and renewed commitment to drive positive change in Malaysia with like-minded organisations and practitioners.

The discussion brought together Civil Society Organisations, consultants, researchers, and funders highlighting the importance of inclusivity in society.

Regional Summit: Analysing Women’s Role in Terrorism in Southeast Asia
2024-03-05 08:00 - 2024-03-07 17:00
Semarang, 5-7 March 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in the Regional Summit: Analysing Women’s Role in Terrorism in Southeast Asia co-organised by the The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) and the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). The summit brought together 54 criminal justice practitioners, academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and beyond from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. INITIATE.MY’s Board of Experts Member, Dr. Haezreena Begum and Project Coordinator, Hisham Muhaimi took part in the three-day summit held in Semarang, Indonesia.

The convening delved into the entire trajectory of women’s engagement in terrorism, commencing with the processes of radicalisation and recruitment into extremist organisations, both online and offline. Participants explored the varied motivations behind women’s involvement – whether it be support or direct participation in violent activities.

Additionally, the convening centred on strategies for collecting evidence to substantiate charges against radicalised women, the challenges and methods of repatriating women from conflict zones, and effective deradicalisation and reintegration programmes.

Dr. Haezreena Begum, spoke at a session on Criminal Justice Responses: Challenges and Innovations in Evidence-Based Investigations and Prosecutions of Women within Terrorist Groups. In her presentation, she explored the nexus between terrorism and human trafficking. Human trafficking within terrorism encompasses activities such as combat, suicide bombing, espionage, sexual servitude, childbirth, forced labour, and various other forms. These practices are facilitated through methods such as threats, coercion, abduction, and deception. Additionally, in certain cases, the allure of attractive benefits or financial compensation may also influence individuals to join terrorist groups.

She also spoke about the male saviour syndrome in managing women Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and the need to have a proper victim protection framework in the context of Malaysia. Looking forward, she stressed that the law enforcement authorities and first responders have the ultimate responsibility to protect, respect, and fulfil women and children’s rights in the process of repatriation of women FTFs to Malaysia. Deradicalisation programmes for returnees and detainees should be implemented sensitively to avoid re-traumatisation.

The summit convened 54 professionals spanning criminal justice practitioners, academics, non-governmental organisations, and others from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Delegates gathered to share recent research findings, discuss effective strategies, and address ongoing challenges encountered in managing terrorism cases involving women.

Extinguishing the Flames of Radicalisation BFM Podcast
2024-03-25 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 25 March 2024 – In a recent BFM Podcast Evening Edition session titled “Extinguishing the Flames of Radicalisation,” Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder of INITIATE.MY, shed light on the complex pathways of radicalisation and the ongoing challenges in rehabilitating individuals towards a more positive trajectory. With Malaysia serving as a transnational nexus for diverse networks, including those espousing extremist ideologies and operating extremist organisations, concerns about radicalisation are prevalent, especially amidst ongoing geopolitical crises like the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of radicalisation, such as socio-economic marginalisation, lack of education, and feelings of alienation. He also stressed the need for effective rehabilitation programmes that focus on deradicalisation, reintegration, and psychosocial support. Aizat’s insights offer valuable guidance for various stakeholders such as policymakers, civil society practitioners, communities and even the corporate sector to work on countering violent extremism. To listen to the full podcast episode and learn more about Aizat’s insights, visit the BFM Podcast.

A snippet of Aizat’s interview on the BFM Podcast emphasises that violence isn’t the solution.

Tackling Hate Virtual Venom, Real-World Victims AWANI
2024-04-03 08:00 - 17:00
Kuala Lumpur, 3 April 2024 – Suyin Chia, Research Consultant at INITIATE.MY, recently participated in an interview on Astro Awani “Consider This” program titled “Tackling Hate: Virtual Venom, Real-World Victims”, alongside Dr. Ryan Chua from Pusat KOMAS and former Sungai Berut MP Tawfik Ismail. Suyin explored the alarming rise of dangerous content on social media and its potential to incite extremism tendencies such as intolerance and violence.

The discussion delved into the question of whether the digital realm has become a breeding ground for social divisiveness, and Suyin sheds light on the worrying rise of online hate speech and extremism in Malaysia following the general election. This content primarily targets minorities, refugees, the migrants and the tactics employed by hate mongers are diverse. They exploit historical narratives, like references to the May 13 racial riots, to stoke fear of renewed violence. International conflicts like the Israel-Palestine issue are weaponized to incite anti-minority sentiment, particularly against Rohingya refugees. Additionally, hateful content often utilises subtle messaging through music, memes, and videos, slipping through the cracks of content moderation tools.

Suyin emphasises the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle this complex issue. Equipping citizens with digital literacy skills is crucial to empower them to fact-check information and counter online hate speech peacefully. Social media platforms like TikTok and Meta must also be held accountable for improving content moderation and detecting subtle hate content.

The most effective solutions, however, require a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Government, civil society, and tech companies need to work together. Initiatives like peace education programs can promote tolerance and understanding, while restorative justice measures like mandatory apologies and mediation can address the root causes of extremism and heal affected communities. Finally, adapting existing laws to address online hate speech with a focus on proportionality and restorative justice principles is essential.

This media appearance reflects INITIATE.MY’s commitment to tackling online extremism by raising public awareness about the risks and developing effective strategies to counter these risks. Visit AWANI YouTube Channel to watch the full interview.

Suyin Chia, representing INITIATE.MY highlighted the dangers of online hate speech and extremism in Malaysia, urging a multi-pronged approach to address the issue.

INITIATE.MY Strategic Planning Retreat 2024
2024-04-26 14:30 - 2024-04-28 15:00
Putrajaya, 26 – 28 April 2024 – INITIATE.MY organised a three-day Strategic Planning Retreat with its team and close local and international partners. The primary aim was to foster bonding and networking, deepen understanding of the organisation, promote growth, and express appreciation for the support and contributions received throughout the years.

Beyond reflecting on past achievements, the retreat served as a proactive environment for shaping the trajectory of the organisation for the next five years. The retreat featured a series of activities involving the Board of Experts and researchers, who delivered presentations on navigating various critical areas. These areas included Malaysian sociopolitics, online extremism, security sectors, and the global arena. Discussions also focused on how INITIATE.MY can enhance its data sharing and publication practices and diversify its sources of funding.

The retreat has also fostered genuine connections among participants. A carefully crafted itinerary of team-building exercises and networking opportunities cultivated bonds within the INITIATE.MY community. These interpersonal connections not only amplified the collaborative spirit within the organisation but also laid the groundwork for future endeavours.

At the end of the retreat, INITIATE.MY and it members affirms their commitment plan from 2024 – 2028 through 5 key strategies;

Enhancing research and development and advocacy publication.

INITIATE.MY will expand research on both violent and non-violent extremism, strategically plan impactful publications, leverage existing datasets for stakeholder engagement, and explore monetization opportunities for diverse audiences.

Maintaining collaboration with Malaysian authorities to democratise the security sector through Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government approaches.

INITIATE.MY will strengthen ties with Malaysian authorities, advocating for modernised policies and civil society involvement while expanding expertise and leverage relationships with foreign embassies and law enforcement for information sharing, implementing successful CSO-Police partnership strategies.

Engaging a broader range of stakeholders to enhance organisational impact.

INITIATE.MY will diversify outreach efforts by targeting youth, gender populations, and underserved regions, utilising local languages and collaborating with communities. The organisation will engage lawmakers and youth-focused entities to drive systemic change and garner support for PCVE initiatives.

Diversifying the organisation’s financial resources for long-term sustainability.

INITIATE.MY will diversify its funding sources by pursuing grants, exploring alternative business models, monetizing expertise, and collaborating with trade councils, chambers of commerce, and government entities.

Enhancing the organisation’s engagement in regional networks for broader impact, learning, and solidarity.

INITIATE.MY will strengthen its financial sustainability by joining relevant networks, forging partnerships with the corporate sector for CSR initiatives, and actively participating in international events for cross-border learning and resource sharing.

In the midst of a challenging political landscape, INITIATE.MY remains committed to fostering a cohesive and inclusive Malaysian nation while addressing the threats posed by both violent and non-violent extremism.

INITIATE.MY Strategic Planning Retreat 2024 wrapped up with cruise dining to convey our deepest appreciation for all of the support from our team members and partners.

Advisory Board Roundtable and Second Regional Meeting of the Thematic Working Group (TWG) on Strategic Communications, the Internet and Social Media
2024-05-14 00:00 - 2024-05-16 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 14-16 May 2024 – Hisham Muhaimi, a Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY, participated in the “Advisory Board Roundtable and Second Regional Meeting of the Thematic Working Group (TWG) on Strategic Communications, the Internet and Social Media”, organised by the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT) and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the event, he shared the strategic communications programming conducted by the organisation and contributed to the broader discussion on effective communication strategies for preventing violent extremism (PVE) among key stakeholders to enhance the regional capacities.

In Southeast Asia, UNODC is actively implementing a regional project aimed at addressing the evolving threats of online radicalisation and the exploitation of online spaces by violent extremist and terrorist groups. The gathering aimed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and develop effective strategies to counter these threats.

In promoting this, UNODC has been technically supporting the establishment of a regional PVE network in Southeast Asia through a Preparatory Working Group of PVE Practitioners (PWG-PVE) of Southeast Asia as a regional cooperation platform to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and good practices across seven thematic areas, including strategic communications, the Internet, and social media.

The working group was operationalised during the group’s first meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on 28-29 March 2023. The meeting resulted in the development of tailored guidelines for developing and implementing effective strategic communication campaigns and narratives, addressing the specific needs and grievances of young people.

The event convened PCVE practitioners across Southeast Asia as key stakeholders to facilitate regional cooperation, peer learning and sharing of knowledge and good practices between government and civil society organisations.

Discussion on Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA)
2024-05-15 00:00 - 23:59
Kuala Lumpur, 15 May 2024 – The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police, hosted a closed-door discussion on the reintegration of prisoners convicted of terrorism offences and individuals returning from conflict zones such as Syria and Iraq. This event was part of the ongoing initiative of Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA) supported by the European Union.

The discussion brought together a diverse group of local and international experts, policymakers, and practitioners from Europe and Malaysia to address the complex challenges and best practices in reintegrating returnees into society. Key areas of focus included psychological support, community engagement, and the development of security policies.

The discussion focused on the research findings by Dr. Haezreena Begum, member of INITIATE.MY’s board of experts and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law at Universiti Malaya, commissioned under ESIWA. She examined the root causes of radicalisation with detailed individual accounts and assessed their responses to government’s rehabilitation and deradicalisation efforts and identified issues within their reintegration into the society.

Aizat Shamsuddin, founder of INITIATE.MY, presented the organisation’s research on the reintegration of former security detainees and their families. He stressed the importance of sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R) post-release to prevent recidivism. Achieving this goal requires stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and the corporate sector, which could be facilitated through the forthcoming National Action Plan, “MyPCVE.”

Dr. Haezreena Begum, member of INITIATE.MY’s board of experts and the deputy dean of Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, presented her research findings on Malaysia’s reintegration programme.

Aizat Shamsuddin, founder of INITIATE.MY was conveying his ideas on the challenges and recommendations in the reintegration of former security detainees in Malaysia.

Interfaith Youth Alliance Gathering
2024-05-16 08:00 - 17:00
Subang Jaya, 16 May 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in the first gathering of the Interfaith Youth Alliance (IYA) gathering, themed “Bridging Beliefs: Empowering Youth for Interfaith Dialogue,” which was a one-day event designed to unite around 45 interfaith youth leaders from across Malaysia. The gathering was organised by Architects of Diversity (AOD) and aimed to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and the development of an active interfaith youth network. The event featured presentation, breakout sessions, and discussions involving policymakers, researchers, and youth leaders to promote a more peaceful, sustainable, and mutually understanding multifaith Malaysia. The event also featured a keynote speech delivered by YB Dr Kelvin Yii, who is an MP of Bandar Kuching.

Participants included representatives from religious organisations such as Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM), Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), and the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM), among others. The event provided a unique opportunity for youth and interfaith leaders to connect, fostering a community for productive discussions on interfaith issues and promoting interfaith harmony in Malaysia.

During the breakout session, INITIATE.MY engaged in the discussion on “Grassroots Action Planning for Youth-led Interfaith Initiatives at the Community Level.” Hisham Muhaimi, the Project Coordinator at INITIATE.MY, shared his experience participating in grassroots interfaith engagements organised by Komuniti Muslim Universal (KMU Malaysia) in 2018. He believed that more ground work and advocacy is needed to educate individuals on the significance of interfaith engagements in building social cohesion in a diverse Malaysian society.

This gathering emphasised the importance of building bridges between groups that typically have a few opportunities to network and understand each other. By empowering youth to engage in interfaith dialogue, the Interfaith Youth Alliance Gathering made significant strides towards creating a more harmonious and understanding multifaith Malaysia.

Amid rising religious tensions in Malaysia, the gathering stands as a symbol of unity against conflicts and violent extremism.

Advancing Civil Society Programming on Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia
2024-05-27 00:00 - 2024-05-29 23:59
Jakarta, 27-29 May 2024 – INITIATE.MY participated in a Community of Practice event in Indonesia, organised by the Global Center on Cooperative Security and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia. This workshop, titled “Advancing Civil Society Programming on Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia,” brought together civil society organisations and researchers dedicated to preventing and countering violent extremism.The event gathered representatives from across Southeast Asia, all of whom have partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Global Center on Cooperative Security over the past five years. This collaborative effort aims to share key insights, practices, and experiences to enhance civil society programming in the region. Our project coordinator, Hisham Muhaimi was particularly involved in the session on Community Resilience and Early Warning System (EWERS).Based on a policy brief published by INITIATE.MY, Hisham suggested that universities should build their capacity to implement EWERS effectively by training staff and students to recognise early signs of radicalisation and respond promptly. He emphasised the need for conducting due diligence on university staff and students to ensure a safe campus community environment. He also recommended the monitoring of usrah (religious study group) activities to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. Additionally, he proposed enhancing community social media surveillance to identify and counteract potential threats from early on. These strategies, Hisham argued, are crucial for creating resilient and vigilant campus communities that can effectively prevent the risks of violent extremism.

The event brings together representatives of CSOs and researchers who have partnered with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Global Center on Cooperative Security to implement initiatives on preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) over the past five years.

Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) Summit 2024
2024-07-28 09:00 - 15:00
Background

The Peace Lab for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) is a youth empowerment programme jointly organised by INITIATE.MY, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and Malaysian Youth Diplomacy (MyDiplomacy). It is dedicated to mitigating radicalisation risks and nurturing social resilience in Malaysia’s multi-racial and religious society, building upon the accomplishments of the Peace Lab for Youth (PLY) in 2021.PLRT adopts and supports the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda by adhering to the landmark resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. They are Resolutions 2250, 2419, and 2535 that have recognised the pivotal role of youth as agents of peace and security.The summit will showcase a keynote speech and public forum to discuss the role of youth in peace and security , featuring notable speakers with stellar background in youth advocacies. Participants will also exhibit their projects to the public through booth setups and engage in substantive dialogue with esteemed audiences. The end of the summit will be marked by a ceremonial presentation of certificates to participants, acknowledging their significant achievements.

Target Audience

60 Participants from Civil Society Organisations, Academia, Youth and Religious Leaders, and the Public.

Agenda

9.00 AM – 9.45 AM: Registration9.45 AM – 10.30 AM: Housekeeping Notes, Keynote Speech & Opening Remarks10.30 AM – 10.35 AM: Group Performance10.35 AM – 11.25 AM: Booth Tour & Networking11.25 AM – 11.30 AM: Group Performance11.30 AM – 1.00 PM: Public Forum on “Youth as Peace Agents or Otherwise?”1.00 PM – 1.45 PM: Closing Ceremony1.45 PM – 3.00 PM: Wrap-Up & Lunch

Speakers

Kasthuri PattoSteering Committee MemberThe International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB)

Kasthuri Patto is currently the Deputy International Secretary for the International Affairs Department of her party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Vice Chair of the Women’s Wing of her party. She was also recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Housewives Social Protection Scheme under Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to promote a social protection scheme for all housewives in Malaysia. She served for two terms as a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Batu Kawan, Penang and served as the President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) a coalition of more than 1200 lawmakers from democratically elected Parliaments from 2021 to 2022. She also served as a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for International Affairs and is currently a Steering Group member of the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion and Belief (IPPFORB). Kasthuri is also an abolitionist against the death penalty and has been lobbying to see an end to child marriages in Malaysia. She has been a critical voice against forced labour, human trafficking, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances, citizenship matters and the use of draconian laws in the name of national security. She is a fierce and familiar voice on the promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights and wishes to see a more inclusive and just Malaysia, and the world.

Jason WeeCo-Founder & Executive DirectorArchitects of Diversity (AoD)

Jason Wee is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Architects of Diversity, a youth-led non-profit organisation that bridges communities and identity groups among youth in Malaysia for justice, peace and a sustainable future. Since 2018, AOD has worked towards the promotion of diversity and inclusion in Malaysia by empowering young leaders as champions of inclusivity, pioneering ideas and processes for social cohesion, and building an enabling environment for legislative change towards equity and inclusion. He is a graduate of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, specialising in Race, Ethnicity and Discrimination.

Hari ShankarData AnalystInitiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

Hari Shankar is a data analyst at INITIATE.MY, supporting the organisation’s research initiatives on intergroup tensions and violent extremism, and is also an alumnus of Peace Lab for Youth (PLY). Prior to working with INITIATE.MY, he was an intercultural communications researcher and educator in Japan, coaching youths of various nationalities on overcoming cultural barriers to develop mutual understanding and cooperation. Hari is a strong advocate of decision-making using data and evidence, actively leveraging his professional background in data science by advising organisations in both the non-profit and corporate sectors on the effective utilisation of data and artificial intelligence. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in applied statistics at Universiti Malaya.

Calvin OhseyMemberRoman Catholic Church

Calvin Ohsey Anak Ah Sen is a multifaceted professional with a wealth of experience spanning various fields. Currently serving as a Special Officer to the Member of Parliament, P.192 Mas Gading, he provides invaluable support in political strategy, parliamentary affairs, research, media liaison, and constituency relations. With a background in translation, event management, consulting, and pastoral work within the Roman Catholic Diocese, Calvin brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to his role. His commitment to service, coupled with his adaptability and dedication, underscores his passion for making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.

Elisa ShafiqahHead AdvisorMalaysian Youth Diplomacy

Elisa Shafiqah Shahrilnizam is the Head Advisor of Malaysian Youth Diplomacy, a focal point youth movement in Malaysia aims to empower youth with diplomatic opportunities. She has extensive experience working with the Ministry of Defence Malaysia focusing on contemporary security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia working in several multilateral negotiations and being involved as the first Malaysian UN Youth Delegate. Under her chairmanship at MyDiplomacy, she has contributed to promoting youth-led diplomacy and has impacted more than 5000 youths resulting in her to be awarded with the ASEAN Youth Peace Figure. She reads BA (International and Strategic Studies) in Universiti Malaya focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, Malaysia’s multilateral foreign policy and mechanism of UNSCR1325 and UNSCR2250 (Women and Youth, Peace Security). At the moment, Elisa holds the position of the Asian representative to the International Steering Group of United Network of Young Peacebuilders which works closely with the United Nations to advise the Secretary General on implementation of UNSCR2250.

Workshop on Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism
2024-08-13 00:00 - 23:59
Yogyakarta, 13 August 2024 – INITIATE.MY had the opportunity to take part in a three-day workshop centred around “Community-Based Rehabilitation and Reintegration against Violent Extremism,” which was organised by the South East Asian Network of Civil Society Organisations (SEAN-CSO). This workshop brought together representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia, who work in the rehabilitation and reintegration programme for individuals involved in violent extremism.

During the workshop, key organisations such as Empatiku Foundation, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, PeaceGeneration (PeaceGen) Indonesia, Duay Jai Group and IMAN Research shared their valuable insights on community-based rehabilitation and reintegration (CBRR). The aim was to foster a deep understanding of the challenges and solutions faced in the programme, with a particular focus on incorporating soft approaches, creating safe spaces for returnees, and advocating for the provision of second chances, regardless of individual’s religious beliefs and ideologies.

Falisha Aufiya, Project Officer at INITIATE.MY, presented the specific challenges encountered by former security detainees upon release from prison, which are unique to the Malaysian context. This presentation provided the key challenges faced by the former security detainees in Malaysia for the attendees. The challenges included social stigma, fractured family relationships and limited socioeconomic opportunities due to unsuccessful reintegration. Therefore, inter-agency coordination, cooperation with civil society and specialised training for government officials are important to improve support structures and promote successful reintegration.

Participants from Indonesia and the Philippines emphasised the need to address community stigma and foster acceptance for returnees. Rather than trying to change returnees’ beliefs, these initiatives focus on creating supportive environments that allow them to engage socially with the community members, find employment, and contribute positively to the community. This approach strengthens social cohesion and empowers individuals to redefine their roles in society.

For Malaysian CSOs, including INITIATE.MY, these examples underscore the positive impact of enhancing community-based rehabilitation and reintegration efforts by prioritising public perceptions and creating avenues for meaningful community involvement. Adopting these strategies could be instrumental in strengthening Malaysia’s deradicalisation programme in line with the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE).

Participants visited the Rumah Komunitas Omah Betakan, Yogyakarta – a community-based rehabilitation and reintegration centre for returnees, established by Dr Noor Huda Ismail and Yayasan Literasi Desa Tumbuh.
