Najib to highlight Malaysia’s commitment to fight terror
RIYADH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will kick off his three-day working visit to Saudi Arabia by highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to issues on extremism and terrorism at a historic summit between United States President Donald Trump and Muslim leaders today.
Najib, who arrived at the King Salman Air Base here yesterday afternoon, joins more than 50 leaders and representatives from across the Muslim world in a discussion with Trump to address the Western world’s negative sentiments against Islam at the Arab Islamic American Summit.
The summit was called by Saudi ruler King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud amid allegations of Islamophobia against Trump’s administration and its move to bar travellers from certain Muslim-majority countries.
Trump, who is on his first official foreign trip since taking office, began a five-stop marathon trip across the Middle East and Europe on Friday. Saudi Arabia is his first stop.
The Arab Islamic American Summit is preceded by two summits — first between Trump and King Salman, and second between Trump and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Countries.
Najib, who is due to speak after addresses by King Salman and the US president, will reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism.
Malaysia’s key role in international efforts against violent extremism will be highlighted by domestic initiatives such as the wasatiyyah (the Quranic injunction towards moderation) concept and deradicalisation programme involving hundreds of extremists.
On the global front, the country’s initiatives include cooperation with the likes of Australia and New Zealand to stop funding to terrorist groups.
The prime minister’s speech is expected to stress Malaysia’s stand against blaming terrorism and extremism solely on Muslim radicals. Najib will likely stress that the issues of extremism and terrorism are not confined to a particular religion.
To deal with it, the world community must identify and solve the root causes, which include the struggle of the Palestinian people.
Besides the summit, Najib is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Saudi Arabia-led Global Centre for Combating Extremist Ideology here.
On the final day of the visit tomorrow, the prime minister is expected to have an audience with King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammad Naif Al-Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Al-Saud.
Najib is also expected to a have a bilateral meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the summit.
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