Malaysia, China monitoring IS threat in Asia, says Hisham

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 on a three-day working visit to China, said yesterday that 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) group and military cooperation between Malaysia and China.

“On IS threats, both countries are monitoring the group’s recent efforts to establish itself and strengthen its influence in Southeast Asia, especially after facing fierce opposition in Syria and Iraq.

“What happened in Marawi, the Philippines, proved that IS has 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, fighting against the army in Marawi.

“I also pointed out that if IS succeeds in building its ground in Southeast Asia, it will threaten security and stability, not only in countries in the region, but also 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 said he was satisfied with the progress report on the acquisition of two littoral mission ships (LMS) that were 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 said.