Terrorist Deradicalization Programs in Saudi, Yemen and Malaysia

Abstract

Terrorist Deradicalization is advancing subject of scientific study that lacks universally accepted definition. It is presently understood as efforts that attempt transform attitudes and behaviors of former terrorists so they reject violence as a tool to achieve ideological, religious or political goals that threaten national security and life or cause political and economic instability. Saudi Arabia Yemen and Malaysiahave deradicalization programs called Al-Ha’ir, Al-Hitar and Pemulihan, respectively, that are based on re-education and rehabilitation. Re-education components focus on correcting political and religious misconceptions, and rehabilitation provides a thoroughgoing monitoring system after inmate release. Government sponsored de-radicalization modules are designed to rehabilitate detained militants by addressing personality flaws and providing carefully structured reconstructive efforts. The authors describe methods used, which include modular themes such as holistic personality, self-reflection, social skills, criminal behavior, spirituality, Islamic consideration, security and psychology.

Challenges to reintegration: a case study of violent extremist detainees and their reintegration into Malaysian society

“…The study of recidivism of US terrorism-related offenders shows that there are possibilities that a terrorist is will repeat an offence related to terrorism (Hodwitz, 2019). Reintegration throughout the process of the Patriot Act has always been a challenge and commonly discussed in literature (Hagan et al, 2009;Aslama and Bakarb, 2019;Hodwitz, 2019).…”

“…The Malaysian prison department provides security and humane treatment to detainees throughout the implementation of specific rehabilitation programmes (Hamidi, 2016; Tan, 2019). Previous studies on the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) offenders indicated that one of the main factors they are involved in such acts are due to influence of radicalism, different levels of ideologies, substantial rewards for their actions spiritually or financially and influence from their colleagues (Aslam et al , 2016; Aslam, 2017; Aslama and Bakarb, 2019). The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) also provides many training programmes, financial assistance and moral support for ex-detainees, ex-prisoners (ex-terrorists) and their family members.…”

“…The country itself established specific laws such as Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), the Prevention of Criminal Acts 1959 (POCA), the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002 and the Penal Code as ways to ensure the well-being of nation members of society (Dhanapal and Sabaruddin, 2015b, 2017; Hamidi, 2016). The Malaysian nations policy of reintegration are one of the methods of preventive and countering approach that used holistic engagement programs involving various parties and organisations (Aslama and Bakarb, 2019; Kamaruddin et al , 2019). The success factors of these de-radicalisation process and programs in Malaysia can be further implemented and enacted by other countries for preventing and countering violent extremism.…”