KUALA LUMPUR: The spread of extremist ideology in Malaysia can be curbed if all parties play a role in fostering the value of social cohesion among the country’s plural society.

       Foreign Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob (pic) said in the context of the prevention of terrorism and violent extremism, the narratives often highlighted by irresponsible parties were aimed at dividing society and undermining national unity.

       "Social cohesion is an important indicator to reflect the safe and harmonious situation of a community.

       "This element can be observed through tolerance and acceptance of issues involving inter-religious relations.

       "Therefore, everyone should play their role," he said in his speech at the opening of a forum entitled ‘Prinsip Kesepaduan Sosial dalam Membina Keluarga Malaysia: Realiti dan Cabaran’, held in conjunction with 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family Aspirations) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Saturday (Dec 11).

       Organised by the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) featured three panelists, including Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood who was previously the former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s advisor on public health.

       Meanwhile, SEARCCT director-general Datuk Ganeson Sivagurunathan said one of the best ways to ensure unity was fully embraced was through education and appreciation of human values.

       "Efforts to prevent terrorism and extremism are not only lie in the hands of the authorities, but require multi-stakeholder cooperation to achieve a comprehensive solution," he said. - Bernama