RESEARCH EXCHANGE SESSION (REX) – RETIRED AND DANGEROUS: WHYVETERANS JOIN ANTI-GOVERNMENT EXTREMIST GROUPS IN THE UNITEDSTATES

On 3 February 2025, SEARCCT hosted a research exchange session featuring Mrs. Siti Hajar Roslan from the Public Service Department Malaysia (JPA). She presented findings from her Master’s thesis during her study at the University of Nottingham, UK, entitled “Retired and Dangerous: Why Veterans Join Anti-Government Extremist Groups in the United States”.

The session brought together key stakeholders from various agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Police Special Branch (E8), Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation, Malaysia Institute for Defence and Security, National Security Council, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Moderated by SEARCCT’s research officer, Ms. Nurul Hidayah Mohd Noar, the session underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and cross-agency collaboration in understanding and addressing extremist threats. The session was also attended by the Director General, Dato’ Ganeson Sivagurunathan, and Ambassador Zamani Ismail, Deputy Director General of SEARCCT.