KING SALMAN CENTRE FOR PEACE BEGINS OPERATIONS
It will be moved within two years after suitable location is found, says Hisham
THE King Salman Centre for International Peace (KSCIP) began its first day of operations yesterday from its temporary office in the city.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the centre would be relocated to its permanent premises within the next two years while experts study a strategic location and architecture for the centre.
“I’m glad to announce that we are now in the position to operate the centre.”
He said Saudi Arabia Defence Minister Prince Mohammed Salman Al Saud, who was initially scheduled to arrive in the country today to launch the centre, had to postpone his trip to a later date.
“The launching ceremony is only symbolic to get it operationalised.
“Unfortunately Prince Mohammed is unable to come as planned because of reasons beyond his control.
“We are postponing his trip to possibly after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.”
He said the KSCIP would be linked to the recently launched Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, which Malaysia had interests in.
“I believe this is the way forward.
“To fight terrorism through soft power, counter narrative and winning of hearts and minds as opposed to just military initiatives,” he said yesterday after distributing 3,000 packs of bubur
lambuk to the ministry’s staff at its headquarters.
Hishammuddin said an announcement would be made to decide on the board of trustees comprising international personalities who would contribute to KSCIP.
“We need to decide on the board of trustees led by Prince Mohammed and I, overseen by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.”
In March, following King Salman’s state visit, both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia had agreed to establish the centre in Malaysia, which would focus on combating extreme narratives.
Agencies concerned with the establishment coordinated to complete the necessary arrangements to launch the centre within a 90-day deadline.
Commenting on the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the region, Hishammuddin said he had instructed the Malaysian Armed Forces to increase military presence in Sabah as the country was not spared from falling prey to terrorist attacks.
“We have to work with other agencies as there is an attempt to establish a caliphate in the region.
“I will also discuss this matter with my counterparts during the Shangri-La Dialogue from June 2 to 4 in Singapore.”
He also said a trilateral Sulu Strait initiative for both maritime and air patrol would be launched on June 19 to form a new joint enforcement working group.