MALAYSIA CONDEMNS INDONESIAN HOTEL BOMBINGS, EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia strongly condemned the
"horrific inhuman terrorist bombing" at two Jakarta hotels which killed eight
people, and extended condolences to the Indonesian government and people as well
as the families of the victims.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said the Malaysian government was
"deeply shocked and saddened that the senseless act of violence, deliberately
directed at civilian targets designed to inflict maximum human casualties, had
claimed the lives of many innocent people besides injuring large numbers of
others".

"It is our hope that the perpetrators of this heinous and despicable crime
would be apprehended and brought to justice," he said in a statement.

He said the Malaysian government was confident that the attempt to undermine
peace and stability and to instill fear among innocent people would only
strengthen the Indonesian government's resolve and determination to eliminate
the scourge of terrorism and bring peace and prosperity to the people of
Indonesia.

"We are confident President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Government of
Indonesia will succeed in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to
justice," he said.

Najib said Malaysia was ready to work closely with Indonesia to combat the
threat of terrorism.

Eight people were killed and dozens were injured in Friday's bombings at the
JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta.

-- BERNAMA