Malaysian FM urges vigilance, resoluteness in countering terrorism

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman on Friday stressed the need to remain "vigilant and resolute" in the fight against terrorism.

While addressing a meeting here, Anifah extended condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday, which killed at least 129 people.

Malaysia too is not spared from acts of violence, Anifah said, citing a recent murder of a Malaysian national by members of a terrorist organization.

A Malaysian man was earlier reported beheaded by the militant group Abu Sayyaf after being held for months in the southern Philippines.

The brutal murder "clearly shows their grim presence in our region and the real and serious danger that they pose to us," Anifah said.

Every single act of terror that is being committed, be it in Paris, Beirut or any other parts of the world, is an act of cowardice and should be strongly condemned, he noted.

He made the remarks while addressing the 13th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting.

The APSC is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community to be established by the end of this year, with the other two being the ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Efforts in implementing the action lines under the APSC Blueprint are progressing remarkably well, which is now nearing its full completion, according to Anifah. Enditem