SHAH ALAM – The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) has proposed that the government formulate a National Innovation Ecosystem Security Policy to ensure Malaysia's openness to global investment, talent and innovation does not compromise the country's sovereignty and national security.
Its president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin said the proposed policy should establish clearer standards on security screening, identity verification, governance and monitoring of international communities, technology hubs and innovation platforms involving foreign participants.
According to him, while Malaysia's openness to the world is one of its strengths, it must always be accompanied by trust, vigilance and responsibility.
"This is to ensure that the benefits of development do not come at the expense of national security.
"Such an approach will enable Malaysia to remain a country trusted by investors, respected by the international community and at the same time, steadfast in safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests," he said in a statement.
Previously, the Johor state government urged the Home Ministry and relevant agencies to investigate the operations of Network School in Forest City following allegations that Israeli nationals had entered Malaysia using second passports to participate in the programme.
The allegations sparked public concern given Malaysia's longstanding policy prohibiting the entry of Israeli citizens into the country.
Commenting further, Fahmi said Abim welcomed the government's firm stance that Malaysia does not permit the presence of Israeli nationals and that appropriate action would be taken if investigations confirmed the allegations.
He said the position was consistent with Malaysia's longstanding foreign policy of supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and not recognising the Zionist Israeli regime.
"Abim also supports the efforts of the Home Ministry, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the police and all relevant agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and professional investigation.
"If there is evidence of abuse of immigration facilities, concealment of identity, submission of false information or violations of the law, firm action must be taken without compromise," he said.
He also urged all parties to respect the investigation process and refrain from speculation until the official findings are announced.