Hisham: Malaysian forces to remain in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Malaysian Armed Forces will remain in Saudi Arabia to provide humanitarian assistance and contribute to rebuilding efforts in Yemen if required, says Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.  

The Defence Minister said Malaysian troops were initially based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to provide assistance in the evacuation of Malaysians in Yemen.  

"However, in light of the current situation, I have instructed the Malaysian Armed Forces to remain in the Kingdom, ever-ready to provide humanitarian assistance and possibly contribute to rebuilding efforts in Yemen if required," he said in his speech during the "The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen" conference on Sunday (Oct 29).  

He said the current instability in Yemen and surrounding regions has raised much concern among Muslim nations.  

"As stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the Arab-Islamic-US Summit earlier this year, there is a widespread belief here that Iran has contributed largely to the instability in this region.  

"As a country that enjoys and values good relations with countries in the region, Malaysia feels that Iran should and must avoid any action that could be seen as interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours. This is not only for the sake of regional stability, but also for the unity of the ummah (people)."  

Hishammuddin, who is also Special Functions Minister, said the instability in the Middle-East region would only serve as an avenue for terrorist groups to flourish.  

"This is why the presence of our Armed Forces, within the borders of Saudi Arabia, signifies our resolute stand with the Kingdom in preserving the security and sanctity of the two holy cities of Mecca and Madinah.  

"We believe Saudi Arabia – an influential nation that has the potential to shape the future of the region and the ummah – can be a beacon of hope in an unsettled world by pursuing and promoting, wherever possible, conflict prevention, the peaceful resolution of disputes and sustainable peace-building," he said.  

"As a nation that champions moderation or the concept of wassatiyyah (moderation), we feel the many misconceptions about our religion must be rectified to promote the true face of Islam in a holistic manner.  

"In line with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammad Salman's recent call to return to moderation, Malaysia feels it is our duty to share our expertise, just as we have long worked with partners around the world," he said.  

In a separate statement, Hishammuddin said the Defence Ministry condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on a police bus in the Bahraini capital of Manama recently.  

"We reiterate our full solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain, against the menace of violence and terrorism which aims at destabilising order and security in the Kingdom.  

"Nothing justifies taking innocent lives. Malaysia is united with the families of the victims, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the Bahraini people.  

"On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia and the Malaysian Armed Forces, I would like to convey our sincerest condolences to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain," he said.