‘Instability will give IS a foothold'

At the ready: Malaysian Army Special Forces personnel demonstrating a hostage-rescue operation during the opening day of the 15th Defence Services Asia Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. The four-day exhibition remains Asia-Pacific’s vital procurement hub for defence and security. — EPA

KUALA LUMPUR: A de-stabilised southern Philippines will open the door for the Islamic State (IS) to establish a foothold in the region, warned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia had invested a lot of effort, money and time to find a comprehensive long-term peace in conflict-wracked southern Philippines.