M'SIA RANKS 26TH IN GPI 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been ranked in 26th place in
the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2009, from 144 countries surveyed, up four places
compared to last year.

The GPI, which is now in its third year, is compiled by the Economist
Intelligence Unit, revealed that Malaysia received a favourable score for its
high number of armed services personnel per 100,000 people.

Malaysia also came in fifth place out of 25 in this region.

The GPI, which was published Tuesday, also revealed the link between peace
and the economic strength of a country, where the global economic downturn could
affect the country's peace and stability.

"Now in its third year, the causes of peace are becoming apparent and the
net economic benefit to humanity is substantial. Peace does have an economic
value apart form the very real humanitarian values associated with it," founder
of GPI Steve Killelea said in a statement here.

Citing Iceland as a prime example, he said the country which topped the
index last year had fallen into fourth place following the collapse of its
financial system.

-- BERNAMA