Malaysia and Indonesia to tackle radicalisation

Still hazy: Thick haze from nearby forest fires shrouding the local landmark Ampera bridge in the city of Palembang on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. — AFP

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Indonesia will cooperate in a de-radicalisation programme, with our Home Ministry hosting an international workshop on the process next year.

A statement from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said the workshop was expected to be held in January and would come up with a standard operating procedure on handling radicalisation.

“Besides Indonesia, other countries such as Britain, the United States and Australia will be invited to attend the workshop,” it said.

The statement was issued in conjunction with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s four-day working visit to Indonesia, which began on Friday.

The statement said both countries also discussed efforts to step up co-operation and exchange of intelligence information on anti-terrorism issues.

It added that an agreement was also reached at the bilateral discussions to establish regional co-operation in tackling the haze.

Indonesia agreed to tighten enforcement of laws pertaining to the haze while Malaysia pledged to conduct monitoring to ensure that Malaysian government-linked companies operating in Indonesia did not contribute to the haze.

The annual clearing of forests by burning in Indonesia creates the haze which is affecting several countries in the region, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The statement also touched on the issue of Indonesian illegal immigrants in Malaysia, saying Malaysia had conducted an amnesty programme for these people, especially those who had permanent jobs and employers.

“The two countries will continue to co-operate in the issue of illegal immigrants,” it said, adding that the matter was viewed seriously by the two countries so as to avert incidents such as the recent capsize of a boat carrying Indonesian illegal immigrants.

The statement said the two countries also discussed common border issues as well as bilateral trade and the global economic situation.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, is scheduled to have a meeting with Malaysians at the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

He has held talks with several leaders and has also called on Indonesian vice-president Jusof Kalla at the Vice-Presidential Palace. — Bernama