FPDA shifts its focus to terrorism

FPDA shifts its focus to terrorism

Agence France-Presse, Penang, Malaysia

A five-nation grouping dedicated to the defense of Malaysia and Singapore is to shift its focus from conventional threats to terrorism, Malaysia's Defense Minister Najib Razak said on Monday.

He was speaking after a one-day meeting in this northern Malaysian city with his counterparts from Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Singapore, which comprise the 32-year-old Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).

"The ministers agreed we should look at non-conventional forms of threats, in particular global terrorism, piracy and illegal immigrants," Najib told a news conference.

"The ministers agreed that external threats in the conventional form have diminished."

He said a shift in emphasis to terrorism did not mean the FPDA "will be involved in operational terms but we are looking at joint training, intelligence sharing and capacity building."

"We are steadfast against any form of terrorism and we will continue to work together to combat the menace of terrorism. The FPDA is flexible and it can meet any new challenges."

Asked about plans to establish an antiterrorism center in Malaysia with U.S. backing, Najib said: "The center is designed to enhance capacity building. We'll obtain counter-terrorism experts from around the world, including from members of FPDA."

Singapore's Defense Minister Tony Tan told the news conference: "Cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in the area of counter-terrorism is excellent.

"With regards to the anti-terrorism center, Singapore will be one of the countries which will work with Malaysia and other countries to enhance our capabilities."

Malaysia and Singapore have both detained dozens of alleged members of the al-Qaeda-linked Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) Islamic militant group, blamed for the Bali bombings in Indonesia last October that killed more than 200 people.