Malaysia firmly against ISIS, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia stands firmly together with the international community against the terror organisation Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as it does not do justice to Islam.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia was concerned with the conflict in Iraq and Syria, as well as militant activities in that region as it affected the stability of those countries.

He said Malaysia would work together with the international community to combat the militant organisation and its influence.

"We will work together with the large community as Isis does not represent Islam. Isis is a misnomer. It does not do justice to Islam," he said at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot at the Bangunan Perdana Putra here, Saturday.

Abbott is on a one-day official visit to Malaysia to discuss bilateral issues including the missing Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370, the downing of MAS flight MH17 in the Eastern Ukraine and trade arrangements.

In supporting Malaysia's firm stand, Abbott praised Najib's announcement as the militant organisation not only posed a threat to the people of Iraq and Syria but to the people of the world.

"I want to thank Prime Minister Najib for his strong stand (against ISIS) ... as he said ISIS was against God, against Islam and against (the) common community," he said.

He said there was a need for the global community to tackle the organisation on many different levels to eradicate its influence as "a death cult".

Putrajaya considers ISIS as a terrorist organisation.

Between January and June this year, Malaysian police arrested 19 people, including two women for involvement in militant activities, which could be related to ISIS.

The police also revealed that at least 50 Malaysians are currently believed to be in Syria, fighting alongside ISIS forces.

Recently, Abbot announced the country's struggle against ISIS after reports emerged of Australians fighting in the war in Iraq and Syria. – Bernama