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.