Terrorism an act of cowardice - Anifah

Every act of terrorism is an act of cowardice and should be strongly condemned, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

"Be it in Paris, Beirut, Palestine or any other part of the world," he stressed in his brief opening remarks before chairing the 13th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) Meeting, Friday.

Extending Malaysia's condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the recent terror attacks in Paris, Anifah reminded his ASEAN counterparts that this region too was not spared from acts of violence.

Referring to what he said was a recent brutal murder, apparently of abducted Malaysian Bernard Then Ted Fen by the Abu Sayyaf militant group, Anifah said: "They (militants) have clearly shown their presence in this region and the serious danger they pose.

This, he pointed out, served as a stark reminder of the need for ASEAN countries to remain vigilant and resolute in the fight against terrorism.

On the other hand, he said, efforts towards the implementation of the action line under the APSC blueprint were progressing remarkably well, and it was now nearing its full completion.

"With the establishment of the ASEAN Community, it is imperative that we continue to enhance policy coherence, effectiveness, coordination and cooperation among the various sectoral bodies under the Political-Security pillar," he said.

Prior to presiding at the meeting, Anifah officially welcomed the new foreign ministers of Thailand and Singapore, Don Pramudwinai and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, respectively.

"I am confident that under your stewardship, our cooperation will continue to be strenghtened to bring ASEAN to new heights," he said.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.