Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. (source: bernama.com)

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir mooted the idea of a digital resilience Initiative (DRI) framework to prevent and counter violent extremism in the digital realm in his address delivered at an international conference in Kuala Lumpur on June 13.

Themed "Building Digital Resilience in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism,” the conference, drew the participation of hundreds of local and foregn scholars, ambassadors and representatives from embassies and the European Union in Malaysia.

Taking place on June 13-15, the event is held by the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) under the Foreign Ministry to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the centre.

The FM noted that this idea represented a call for action to foster an online community that is not only safe but also respectful, trustworthy, compassionate, and promoted peaceful co-existence, tolerance and healthy multi-religious and multicultural engagements.

He underlined four key strategic areas under DRI, namely awareness and knowledge; support and empowerment; regulation and accountability; and cooperation and collaboration.

He expressed his belief that these four key pillars will enable Malaysia to not only in fortifying the digital spaces against potential threat, but also in proactively promoting the values of peace, harmony and mutual understanding.

The SEARCCT serves as a regional counterterrorism hub, focusing primarily on training, capacity building, research, digital counterterrorism messaging, and public awareness programmes. The centre also promotes Malaysia's views on the most effective measures to combat terrorist threats.