KUALA LUMPUR: No country in the world is able to act alone to deal with today’s growing and complex security threats.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is currently on a three-day working visit to China, said today various issues had been discussed in a series of meetings with the Asian giant’s leaders, concerning regional security and terrorist threats, particularly the movement of the Islamic State (IS) terror group and military cooperation between Malaysia and China.
“On IS threats, both countries are closely monitoring the group’s recent efforts to establish themselves and strengthen their influence in Southeast Asia, especially after facing fierce opposition in Syria and Iraq.
“What happened in Marawi, in the southern Philippines, proves that IS had long intended to create a territory in Southeast Asia. What’s more alarming is that there are terrorists who are closely related to IS in some countries who are fighting against the Philippine army in Marawi.
“I also pointed out that if IS succeeds in building their ground in Southeast Asia, it will threaten security and stability not only in countries within the region but will spread to other neighbouring countries, including China,” he said in a statement.
Hishammuddin had meetings with China’s Political and Legal Affairs Secretary Meng Jianzhu and State Councillor Yang Jiechi yesterday, and is scheduled to meet his counterpart, Defence Minister Chang Wanquan, tonight.
Hishammuddin also said he was satisfied with the progress report on the acquisition of two littoral mission ships (LMS) that are being built by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co Ltd and Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd in China, which he said was “on the right track” and “on schedule”.
“God willing, we will have the first of the two LMS in October 2019. After that, two more LMS will be built in Malaysia. This demonstrates the close collaboration between the two countries, that will continue to be strengthened to cover various aspects of cooperation including security, investment, trade, education and tourism.
“I believe the close ties between Malaysia and China will continue to be strengthened and would bring many benefits to both countries and the region,” he added.