A tale of two Extremists; Osama and Anders and what Malaysia can learn from their acts

Osama bin Laden, the old face of terrorism: Muslim, Arab, turbaned, dark hair and bearded.

The late Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden was the founder of al-Qaeda, the jihadist organization which claimed responsibility for the September 11 attacks on the United States and numerous other mass-casualty attacks against civilian and military targets. Osama bin Laden died at age 54 on 2nd May 2011 in Abootabad Pakistan killed by American Commandos. 

Read more here.

Anders Behring Breivik, the new face of Terrorism, Christian, Caucasian, Blond, Clean Shaven

Anders Behring Breivik scarred hundreds of youth, and Oslo residents, on his July 22nd rampage when he shot dead about 80 Norwegian and his bomb caused 8 deaths more. Read here, here and here. His own fear of Muslims taking over Europe led him to the massacre. The attack was planned for  months. There has been speculation that Breivik had also planned to attack the Norwegian Royal Palace as well as the Labor Party’s headquarters, but backed out.

Though both Osama bin Laden and Anders Behring Breivik either ordered the killing or themselves killed scores of innocent bystanders driven by their deep extremist views, both showed no remorse or guilt to the horror they have done and the wrecked lives they created.

It matters not how they look like on the outside, what is important is what is inside their heads. Extremist views in verbal or written form must be kept in check before the source becomes or resort to violence to perpetuate their views. Extremists like Osama or a Anders can spring out in any country irrespective of religion or race.

In Malaysia, we must ensure that people with extremist views are always kept in check be it an individual or group and if need be, detained under pre-emptive Laws like the ISA or the EOs if there are any signs that their activities will lead to something more serious and cause harm to the public.

Let us support the PDRM and our Security Enforcement Agencies to do what is necessary under the Laws of Malaysia to keep this blessed country safe and secure.