This page: Discussion leaders Hon. Irene Ng , MP, (left) of Singapore and Hon. Maj. Jim K.. Muhwezi, MP, of Uganda;
Opposite page: Discussion leader Sen. Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah of Pakistan (right), addresses delegates, with Moderator Hon. Elijah Okupa, MP, of Uganda.
Sen. Shah argued that the lack of employment and social justice and the inequitable distribution of wealth cause discontent. Voters expect to have the services of electricity, water, roads and other facilities immediately. There must be tolerance in democracy for there to be peace and the right to differ from another person’s opinion must be respected. Hon. G. Karthikeyan, MLA, of
Kerala stated that terrorism is often said to be committed in the name of God, but it is really because of political egos.
Shri Pinaki Misra, MP, of India
stressed that terrorism has no religion; that terrorism in India has never been home-grown.
How to counter terrorism Ms Ng said that the message of
counter-terrorism must be direct and evolving. In Singapore, Muslims play an important role by registering approved religious leaders to ensure that the right ideology is taught. Given the complexity and persistence of the terrorist threat, counter-terrorism measures need to be dynamic and relevant to meet these security challenges effectively. Apart from keeping up operations
to neutralize threats, Parliamentarians must step up efforts to counter the spread of radical ideology in the real world and also in the virtual world, which fuels the jihadist movement. Since it is not possible to block out the internet, the next best thing is to educate people so that they can identify terrorist ideology and be on their guard against radical ideas. They can also be Members’ eyes and
274 | The Parliamentarian | 2012: Issue Four
ears on the ground, helping to keep the country safe by reporting radical behaviour and activities. It is important to treat extremist behaviour not only as a law-and-order problem but also as an ideological problem. Shrimati Sumitra Mahajan,
MP, of India sited terrorism as a global phenomenon which needs comprehensive attention and efforts while Sen. Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem from Pakistan suggested that new laws are required to deal with new forms of terrorism. Hon. Phillemon Moongo, MP,
from Namibia indicated that social, distributive and retroactive justice must be addressed in order to fight terrorism in addition to taking practical action. Maj. Muhwezi expressed the need to separate religion and
terrorism and indicated that social injustice and social hatred must be denied to discourage terrorism. Counter-terrorism programmes must be implemented alongside good governance and development. Yemen emphasized the fact that citizens must be engaged and also protected from terrorist ideology. Sen. Shah proposed the implementation of new laws and the banning of internet websites to prevent fund-raising and access to terrorist teaching. Terrorism must be dealt with on multidimensional global, national and grassroots levels with a focus on the socio-economic and distributive justice system. There should be national policies to alleviate alienation and deprivation since no section of society must feel deprived. Civic