MALAYSIA's role in the fight against worldwide terrorism and in particular, the Islamic State is crucial to the global community.
President of Wasington DC-based International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP), Steve J. Fustero said as its unwavering partner, Malaysia had been exemplary in how they had been dealing with terrorism, extremism and violence against innocent civilians.
"We thank the Malaysian prime minister for coming to the United States to affirm Malaysia’s commitment to world peace.
The Southeast Asian IACSP chapter patron Tunku Datuk Seri Mahmud Bin Tunku Besar Burhanudin said, the threats of extremism and terrorism must be curtailed at all cost and Malaysia had been doing its best to address the issue.
He said the prime minister was well aware of the existential threats and what they could do to jeopardise the harmony and peace the country and region had been enjoying.
Andrin Raj, the Kuala Lumpur-based Southeast Asia Regional director for the IACSP welcomed Najib's pledge and further cooperation on countering the threats of terrorism with the US. He said this move was timely and served to strengthen security ties between the two countries and was a clear reflection of Malaysia’s full support in fighting extremism and terrorism.
"The US has vast experience in combating terrorism and since the 911 attacks it had intensified its efforts and increased its capabilities as well as on intelligence via international cooperation, he said.
The IACSP in Malaysia he added had provided its Anti-Terrorism Awareness Programme and Counter Terrorism trainings to local government security agencies as well as to private corporations in Malaysia and in the region.
Andrin said US organisations based in Malaysia would also be more reassured, with Malaysia’s pledge to the US in its fight against terrorism. Many US organisations which operate within Malaysia and the region, are among major targets of terrorism and especially by the Islamic State and al Qaeda, said Raj.
He also said non-US organisations in Malaysia couls also face similar threats from terrorism and should be prepared to mitigate the risks.
Raj pointed out that the Malaysian authorities should also work closely with the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce to set up a network of liaison between the authorities and the chamber to provide information on threat advisory and threat levels of terrorist activities within Malaysia.
This, he added would benefit American-based organisations in Malaysia.
In his recent visit to the US to meet President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak pledged Malaysia's commitment to fight radicalisation and terrorism, and this was well received by the White House.
Malaysia has been cooperating with US authorities in combating terrorism since the 911 attacks but the visit further enhanced the cooperation.
Malaysia to the US is a moderate Muslim country and the government of Malaysia emphasises the importance of a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society that must be protected at all cost.
Najib had said there was no better example of the partnership than the shared efforts against violent extremism.
Malaysia has fought IS through the promotion of moderation, and through a deradicalisation program that has had a 90% success rate.