'I make no apology for keeping Malaysia safe from terrorism' - Najib

"I make no apology for taking every possible step to preserve national security and the safety of Malaysians. That is my priority.

"We will not wait until disaster strikes before implementing the necessary preventive measures,” Najib said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Deradicalisation and Countering Violent Extremism 2016 (IDC 2016) here, Monday.

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He said the IDC conference can be a platform to strengthen cooperation between security agencies in the countries involved.

"We need to share and analyze the best step in our deradicalisation efforts. We cannot allow terrorism threat to infiltrate our country. We must protect the country's peacefulness together," he said.

"The best way to protect civil liberties is to ensure national security," he said.

Najib admitted that it is his responsibility to take preventive measures to ensure the security of citizens and the state.

Najib also expressed gratitude to the representatives of the countries taking part in the conference to discuss the deradicalisation policy in addressing the terrorism threats.

Also present at the conference were Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

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All the representatives of ASEAN countries and nine other ministers of state strategic partners, namely the United States, France, Australia, Britain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, China and Italy, are expected to attend this conference.