‘We are committed to ensuring a safe world’

WASHINGTON: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to the United States to continue fighting the Islamic State (IS) and all forms of terrorism.

Labelling them a common enemy of both nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia would ensure its part of the world was safe as part of its commitment.

“The other goal of your administration, Mr President, which is to make the US safe — and with that, the world safe — we are committed to fighting Daesh, IS, alQaeda, Abu Sayyaf — you name it.

“They are the enemy of the US, they are also the enemy of Malaysia, and we will do our part to make sure that our part of the world is safe.”

In his remarks at the White House before delegations from both countries met on Tuesday morning local time, Najib said Malaysia would also contribute in terms of ideological warfare.

“(This is) because you need to win the hearts and minds.

“And the key to it is to support moderate and progressive Muslim regimes and governments around the world, because that is the true face of Islam; that is the authentic face of Islam.

“The more you align with progressive and moderate regimes, the better it would be in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the Muslim world.”

Meanwhile, Najib said the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) planned to further invest between US$3 billion and US$4 billion (RM12.6 billion and RM16.8 billion) in the US.

“They have invested close to US$7 billion, in terms of equity, in the US. And they intend to invest US$3 billion and US$4 billion to support your infrastructure redevelopment in the US.”

He said Khazanah, which has an office in the Silicon Valley, planned to invest more than the US$400 million it had already invested in high-tech firms.