Malaysia-Australia improve intelligence information in combating terrorism

Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said that apart from the collaboration -- made possible throught the King Salman Centre for International Peace -- Australia would be directly involved in the military training aimed to curb new threats.

“I mentioned the King Salman International Peace Centre – which was my own initiative and Arab Saudi Deputy Prince, Raja Muhammad Salman to curb Daish and IS movements, the sharing of information on intelligence will involve academicians, universities and intellects in winning the hearts and minds of the people in getting influenced by Daish and its propaganda,” said Hishammuddin.

“Indeed, Australia is facing similar threat – to curb IS and its influence – that would be the focus of our collaboration. So, I hope Australia will give its cooperation in this effort by both Malaysian and Saudi Arabia,” said Hishammuddin at a Press conference in Parliament today.

[THE VIDEO BELOW IS ON WHY THE SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE IS CRUCIAL] Prior to that, Hishammuddin welcomed Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop for an official visit at Parliament today.

Hishammuddin added that the bilateral ties between Kuala Lumpur and Canberra will improve especially through the Five Country Defence Pact involving Malaysia, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore.

He also added that Australia lauded the role by Malaysia in curbing the terrorism and kidnapping in the coastal area of Eastern Sabah through the tripartite ties with Indonesia and the Philippines.

To date, Malaysia has arrested more than 250 people between 2013 and 2016 over suspected militant activities linked Daish.