Identification of risk factors of volent extremism among Malaysian violent extremism detainees

The current rapid emergence of violent extremism urges inter-disciplinary approach to inspect the phenomenon at a micro-level, and later to build a model which could provide a clear depiction of its causes. A method which could directly address the cause of violent extremism necessitates an assessment of probable risk factors among violent extremists. The empirical nature of neuropsychological as well as psychological assessment will allow an objective view of the causes of every human behavior, and it could provide resolute differences in neuropsychological abilities between violent and non-violent acts among atypical individuals. The present study aims to examine the risk factors which could be present among violent extremist detainees in Malaysia. This study will assess the cognitive functioning as well as risk- taking personality traits, and cognitive distortion of individuals detained for their involvement in violent extremism in Malaysia and compare their results with that of the individuals without any prior convictions. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery will be used to evaluate neuropsychological functioning which includes executive functioning, risk-taking, motor and mental response. The present study proposes a method of analysis which aims to compare neuropsychological abilities of two groups of individuals: those detained of violent extremism and typical individuals. The data collected will be analyzed via logistic regression to build a model which depicts the factors that are predictive of violent extremism

Psychometric properties of the adapted Malay eating disorder examination-questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0) among university students in Malaysia

The “Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire” (EDE-Q) is a cost-effective eating disorder (ED) screening tool that has a significant relationship with the gold standard “Eating Disorder Examination” (EDE) interview. Though it has been widely used for clinical and research purposes, there is a dearth of effort to establish psy- chometric properties of the latest EDE-Q 6.0 in the Malaysian sample. The extant study adapted and validated EDE-Q 6.0 on Malaysian university's student population (N = 595) from a public university in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Four factors of Restraint, Shape and Weight Concerns, Eating Concerns, and Shape/Weight Over- valuation were constituted from exploratory factor analysis. Still, they failed to indicate apparent replication of the original English EDE-Q 6.0. Malay EDE-Q 6.0 exhibited high internal consistency reliability (α = 0.93), acceptable test-retest reliability over 14 days, and acceptable equivalence reliability of its items with the original English version items. The Malay EDE-Q 6.0 global and subscales scores attained acceptable validity with the global scores of Malay EAT-26 (another ED scale) as evidence of convergent validity and with quality of life (QoL) scale for divergent validity. Accordingly, the adapted EDE-Q 6.0 Malay version is considered a valid and reliable instrument for assessing eating disorder psychopathology among Malaysian university students

Shaping the Digital Future of Civil Service : An Assessment of Digital Transformation and Data Science Competencies

In the era of digital transformation and data proliferation, the need for effective digital competency assessment is increasingly critical. However, existing frameworks often lack comprehensive integration of key digital transformation and data science competencies necessary for roles within the civil service sector. This study introduces a robust instrument to profile competency domains critical to digital transformation and data science roles in the civil service. Leveraging a four-phase mixed method methodology, including brainstorming, external validation, and a pilot study, the instrument was developed, validated, and tested among 30 state government servants. The reliability of the domains—Data Analytics, Data Science Management, Data & Digital Architecture, and Digital Transformation—was confirmed by excellent Cronbach’s Alpha values ( 0.9). Content validity was evaluated using Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Index (CVI), indicating strong validity for Digital Transformation and Data & Digital Architecture domains, while suggesting refinement for Data Analytics and Data Science Management. The proposed instrument, validated through self-evaluation scores, illustrates potential for career and organizational development within the civil service, emphasizing its practical value and feasibility

Jagaan di Institusi: Apa pengalaman dan pandangan kanak-kanak?

Tidak semua kanak-kanak bernasib baik untuk mendapat jagaan dan perlindungan daripada keluarga sendiri.Oleh sebab-sebab tertentu, terdapat sebilangan kanak-kanak yang pelu ditempatkan di Rumah Kanak-kanak supaya mereka dapat meneruskan kehidupan mereka dalam persekitaran yang lebih sempurna.Institusi jagaan seperti ini disediakan untuk menggantikan keluarga mereka dengan memberi kemudahan tempat tinggal, perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan seperti pendidikan, kesihatan, dan rekreasi, serta suasana psikologikal bagi perkemhangan sosial, emosi, dan spirutual.Namun, sejauhmanakah institusi seperti ini dapat memberi jagaan dan perlindungan yang sempurna dan yang lebih baik daripada apa yang mampu disediakan oleh keluarga mereka sendiri? Kajian yang dilaporkan di dalam kertas kerja ini adalah sebahagian daripada hasil sebuah kajian yang lebih hesar ke atas kehidupan kanak-kanak yang ditempatkan di institusi jagaan kanak-kanak.Seramai 513 orang kanak-kanak daripada 4 buah Rumah Kanak-kanak (RKK),2 buah Rumah Budak Laki-laki(RBL), dan 5 buah Rumah Tunas Harapan (RTH) yang dianjurkun oleh Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia di seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia telah terlibat di dalam kajian ini.Aspek-aspek yang dibincang di dalam kertas kerja ini ialah pandangan kanak-kanak terhadap perkhidmatan yang disediakan, khususnya kemudahan-kemudahan dan peluang-peluang untuk mereka mengalami kehidupan yang lebih positif: Hasil kajian ini dibincang dari aspek sejauhmana ia memenuhi matlamat program Rumah Kanak-kanak dan juga mencapai standard yang digunakan di peringkat antarabangsa bagi menjamin kualiti perkhidmatan jagaan institusi

Restoring soul in the study of self in psychology: an applied maqasid approach to educational policies

Research Context: Preserving the soul and self is foremost among the essentials of the Maqasid al-Shari’ah. The way soul and self are conceptualised and taught in schools and universities will significantly impact how individuals perceive their being, how they experience their social reality, and how they live their life. However, contemporary psychology has stripped the soul of its approach and curricula. This poses a problem for understanding the self as it fails to provide a comprehensive explanation as to why humans behave and think. Bringing back the soul into mainstream psychology is crucial as it can inform the development of relevant educational policies and support the development of a sound human psyche. Objectives: The objectives of this study are (i) to review the works of 14 Muslim scholars and their philosophical background, religious stand, and unique contributions to the study of soul and self in psychology; (ii) to incorporate the writings and thoughts of these Muslim scholars on the development and relationship of soul in publications that will form as a basic text in the teaching of psychology and (iii) to develop a framework that may guide government and university authorities to further strengthen the psychology curricula and policy directions in the light of Maqasid al-Shariah. Method: Using a combination of document analysis and archival research method, the study identified documents related to the works of 14 Muslim scholars on the development of self and soul in two phases. In Phase I (Conceptualisation and Planning), related textual materials were searched, identified, and organised, while Phase II involved reviewing, analysing, and synthesising these materials. Findings: Three themes were noticeable from the analysis: (i) the scholars’ philosophical thoughts and approaches; (ii) the nature and development of the soul according to these scholars; and (iii) their contributions and implications to the teaching and learning of contemporary psychology. A summary of the conceptualisation, nature, and stages of the soul according to the Muslim scholars was also developed. Conclusion and Impact: The findings verify that Maqasid al- Shari’ah plays a pivotal role in preserving the minds and souls of people, both at the basic and applied levels. More specifically, in the Islamic intellectual tradition, everything starts from God, is sustained by God, and returns to God. All that exist are nothing other than His Names and Attributes, including humans. Hence, divine sources and knowledge are emphasised in understanding human, who has been created whole with body and spirit and soul lying in-between. These findings are in tandem with the current efforts of the IIIT and IIUM in advancing a balanced study of Islamic thoughts and present civilisational conditions, with the aim of re-authenticating the Islamic and human civilisation. Policymakers in education may also benefit from the findings of this study when they address the universal paradigm or foundation on which education should be developed, and humanity crisis should be dealt with, thus, fulfilling the quest of the Maqasid al-Shari'ah. Finally, the outputs and achievements of the study are discussed in terms of talent/human capital, publications and presentations, programmes and engagements, and internal as well as external collaborations