Terrorism, regional security highlights of Ahmad Zahid-Abe meeting

Terrorism, regional security and Japan's commitment on the Look East Policy 2.0 were among the main topics of discussion in a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday.

They were brought up during a courtesy call by Ahmad Zahid on Abe at the Japanese leader's office here.

Ahmad Zahid arrived here Sunday for a five-day working visit to Japan.

Ahmad Zahid said the talks centred on anti-terrorism and cyber attacks as well as the need for security control in organising a major event such as the Olympic Games.

"Such matters cannot be predicted except to have preparedness in place. Prime Minister Abe felt Malaysia could provide cooperation as the question of assets and equipment alone are insufficient to tackle the problem," he told Malaysian journalists.

"We agreed to extend cooperation not only in the exchange of officers but also the need to update information which could be used by other countries," he said.

On the question of regional security, Ahmad Zahid said there should be a search for a resolution without the use of military power.

In this regard, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would be raising its level of security at border points of entry and country's maritime areas as well as updating its existing assets.

For the purpose, the Home Minister said the government had agreed to acquire new assets and was awaiting the approval of the Finance Ministry.

He said he also touched on halal certification and the implementation of Look East Policy 2.0 in the effort to emulate the working ethics and techniques of countries such as Japan and South Korea.

Tomorrow, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the 34th joint Japan-Malaysia Economic Association and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (JAMECA-MAJECA) conference as well as meet captains of industry to discuss potential Malaysia-Japan trade and investment.