Malaysia contributes one million USD for humanitarian aid in Iraq, Syria

Malaysia has contributed one million USD for humanitarian assistance in the newly liberated areas of Iraq and Syria.

Wisma Putra in a statement today said the announcement was made by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman in his speech at the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition against Daish on Wednesday in Washington.

He said Malaysia fully supported the Global Coalition's call for urgent funding for the said areas that were previously under the control of Daish.

"I am pleased to announce Malaysia's contribution of 1 million USD to the fund, to be earmarked for humanitarian assistance in the said areas.

"Let me conclude by reaffirming Malaysia's unequivocal support and commitment to the Global Coalition in its endeavour to degrade and ultimately defeat Daish," he said.

Anifah was on a working visit hosted by newly appointed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, which seeks to intensify the campaign to defeat Daish with the collaboration of 68 partners of the Global Coalition.

He said following the country's success in deradicalising and rehabilitating Daish sympathisers and operatives, Malaysia was ready to share its expertise with other countries in countering terrorism.

"Deradicalisation remains an indispensable component in Malaysia's counter terrorism strategy. We subscribe to the belief that those who have been convicted under our terrorism-related laws had been misled into embracing a completely objectionable version of Islam.

"Therefore, deradicalisation and rehabilitation are important to enable them to be reintegrated into society. Our success rate stands at 97.5 per cent," he said.

Earlier in his speech, Anifah said following the strengthening of the country's national legislations in 2015, the number of terrorist suspects arrested by the Malaysian authorities had increased substantially.

"This is indeed a very alarming trend. We therefore count on the continued collaboration with our partners in providing timely intelligence."

He highlighted moderation as an all-encompassing approach that emphasises the values of understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and inclusiveness in resolving differences and conflicts peacefully.

"These are the very noble values that are non-existent in the wayward ideology of Daish. Retelling the narrative of true Islam that embraces these virtues is as vital in countering extremism as it is in putting a stop to the barbarities perpetrated by these misguided people," he said. -- Bernama