MANMOHAN SEEKS MALAYSIA'S HELP TO STEM TERRORISM

By P.Vijian

NEW DELHI, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- India has asked Malaysia to keep the Straits
of Melaka, one the world's busiest waterways, safe for international passage and
sought help to tackle regional terrorism.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh mentioned this to visiting Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak when he spoke on the country's security
concerns during a two-hour meeting in the Indian capital on Wednesday.

"India briefed us about their concern on terrorism, especially after the
Mumbai attack (Nov 26, 2008) and they hope we can cooperate with them on matters
relating to the exchange of intelligence.

"India also expressed that they want us to make sure that the Straits of
Melaka is safe for international passage," Najib, who is on a four-day visit
here, told the Malaysian media Thursday.

Security featured predominantly during the dialogue with Najib, signalling a
significant shift from the normal trade talks between both nations, which
amplify Malaysia's critical importance in the region.

About a quarter of the world's traded goods and oil supply pass through the
straits, the second busiest in the world, after Egypt's Suez Canal, and about
50,000 international vessels ply the sea lane annually.
-- BERNAMA