PUTRAJAYA: Discussions on Islamic State (IS) and terrorism will only be carried out through bilateral engagement with relevant countries and not among all the 10 Asean member states at the 36th Aseanapol Conference 2016.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Malaysia has already begun discussion with relevant countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Indonesia on Monday.
“The IS and terrorism are among the top agendas of discussion at the conference.
“But it is done through bilateral ties either involving two or three countries, not with all the countries,” he said after opening the conference, today.
Khalid also said that he would be meeting his Philippines counterpart today to raise concerns over kidnapping activities in the Southern Philippines.
He said a bilateral meeting has been arranged to discuss the matter.
The east coast of Sabah remains a main concern for security from threats by Sulu forces, kidnap for ransom groups, and other terrorist groups, Khalid said.
“Internally our security forces has been enhancing cooperation with relevant countries… we have now entered a three-party patrolling arrangement. We will work closely to share intelligence along the borders of the countries between Malaysia and the Philippines,” he said.
On the conference, Khalid said it presented a platform for networking and fostering closer ties with Asean police while allowing a more personal relationship that’s just a phone call away.