KUCHING: National legislation needs to be further strengthened to address the threat of radical and extremist ideology, but efforts to shape society's character based on noble values must remain a priority.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said that although the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) already exists, it is not as strong as the Internal Security Act (ISA) in curbing security threats, including issues involving religion, race and royal institutions (3R).

"That decision has already been made at the policy level, but that is why we need to strengthen our national legislation.

"We know SOSMA already exists, but SOSMA is not as robust as when ISA was in place for us to contain 3R issues; it is indeed very difficult," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the Closing Ceremony of the Sarawak Maju Makmur Nusantara Islamic Sustainability Seminar 2026M/1448H at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC), here on Saturday.

However, Datuk Amar Fadillah said any efforts to strengthen legislation must take into account the balance between national security and social harmony, in addition to meeting international standards.

He said legislation is only a last resort in addressing security threats, while efforts to shape character and noble values among society must be prioritised.

Elaborating further, he stressed that character building is more important than focusing on legislation, as it is the most effective approach to curbing the spread of radical and extremist ideology in society.

"What is more important is shaping human values themselves, because character building matters more to me than focusing on legislation.

"Because ultimately, if every individual can be raised with good character, then we can set aside radical and extremist tendencies, and in the end, everyone will always love and care for one another," he further explained.

Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayub Khan Mydin Pichey, Chairman of the Sarawak Islamic Council Datuk Misnu Taha, Sabah Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, Senior Director of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Dr Yamin Ismail, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo : Muhd Zulfadhli Ahmad Sharir
Translator : Uilson Ng