Malaysia Believes In Moderation Approach To Combat Terrorism

By Azeman Ariffin JAKARTA, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia believes moderation to be the all-encompassing approach to stem the rise of all forms of extremism, including violent extremism. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said moderation emphasised on mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and inclusiveness. He said embracing the approach would enable the world to bridge differences and resolve disputes peacefully. "Malaysia also supports the Declaration on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism as terrorism constitutes a grave threat to regional and international peace and security," he said at the Indian Ocean RIM Association (IORA), Council of Ministers' Meeting here today. Senior officials from his ministry also attended the IORA Summit which begins Monday. Prime Minister Mohd Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's statement during the general debate session at the summit on Tuesday. Anifah said the adoption of the declaration clearly signified IORA members' commitment and determination to tackle terrorism together. "This requires us to act in unison and to cooperate at all levels to combat this scourge," he added. He said since IORA's establishment in 1997, the association had made commendable progress in strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation amongst its members. "It is my hope that we could further enhance our existing cooperation towards achieving the vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region and to give IORA more vigour and purpose. "We need to strengthen regionalism in the region as we embark on the next phase of our cooperation," he stressed. He said Malaysia also welcomed the IORA Action Plan 2017-2021 and its outlined specific programmes and activities "for the short, medium and long term which would help us to better focus our efforts in realising tangible outcomes". Members of the IORA are Malaysia, Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. IORA also has seven Dialogue Partners — the United State of America, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom as well as other special invitees and guests. -- BERNAMA