Najib: Moderation, tolerance, understanding are key to fighting terrorism

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Wednesday 28 Oct 2015 - 11:32 Makkah mean time-15-1-1437 PM Najib Razak (Pic: BERNAMA) Kuala Lumpur (IINA) – Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak said "policies of moderation, tolerance and understanding are key to fighting against terrorism, especially in a multi-racial society like Malaysia", BERNAMA reported. He said Malaysia and its partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also believed that resolving the menace of terrorism calls for a comprehensive and long term strategy. "Military action alone is inadequate without addressing the root causes and adopting a multi-pronged approach," Najib said in his keynote address, entitled "Confronting Global Terrorism: The Role of ASEAN", at the United Nations Association Malaysia (UNAM) dinner, here Tuesday night. He said for centuries, South East Asia has been enriched by the assimilation and integration of different peoples and traditions, with a culture that has welcomed and benefitted from diversity. "We, in Malaysia and ASEAN, must strive to maintain this way of life and reject extremism," the prime minister said. Najib also believed that Malaysia and other ASEAN countries were well-organized to deal with such threats. He said preventive measures, vigilance, public awareness and de-radicalization campaigns, together with effective rehabilitation programs were all necessary to combat the threat of violent extremism and terrorism. He stated that education also played a vital role so that the younger generations grew up being taught the true essence of Islam and other religions, which all advocated peace and justice. "Instead, democracy with good governance, social justice and an inclusive approach to economic and social development is the best way forward," he added. Najib noted that similar approaches were also required in mosques, churches and other places of worship, to make it absolutely clear that there could be no space for extremism and bigotry in the society. Meanwhile, the prime minister said his initiative on the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM) was relevant today as it was when it was first announced five years ago. "It has been well received internationally and in April this year, ASEAN endorsed the Langkawi Declaration on the GMM, with member countries agreeing to organize outreach programs and inter-faith and cross-cultural dialogues at international, regional and national levels," he said. Najib said they agreed to promote education as a means of instilling respect for life, diversity and the values of moderation, tolerance, non-violence and mutual understanding. "This will continue to be a cornerstone of our fight against terrorism and IS," he said. He also said the Prevention of Terrorist Act passed in parliament early this year was necessary to combat the threats in Malaysia. AB/IINA