Rise of terrorism one of the key challenges in Asia-Pacific, says Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein
SINGAPORE – One of the key challenges facing the Asia-Pacific is religious extremism and combating the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the region.
As the terrorist group suffers losses in the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region is now firmly in its crosshairs, said Malaysia’s Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein
SINGAPORE – Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and US Defence Secretary James Mattis discussed the threat of extremism and terrorism in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Sulu Sea and the Southern Philippines, during a breakfast meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (June 3)
They also acknowledged the importance of the US’ continued presence in the Asia-Pacific in ensuring peace and stability, a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral de
Speaking at a discussion on challenges facing the Asia-Pacific at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday (June 3), Datuk Seri Hishammuddin said the threat from ISIS was both “real and multi-dimensional” and had to be met head on.
The threat is one that Malaysia feels acutely, he added, pointing out that the country arrested six people with links to ISIS in the last week, and has made 250 more arrests between 2013 and 2016.
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To combat the growth of terrorism, countries would have to combat terrorism by “promoting peace” and countering extremist ideology, said Mr Hishammuddin.