Malaysia to hold urgent meeting with Indonesia, Philippines on recent sea abductions

From the Malay Mail Online (Jun 25): Malaysia to hold urgent meeting with Indonesia, Philippines on recent sea abductions

KOTA KINABALU, June 25 — Malaysia’s foreign affairs ministry will hold an urgent meeting with Indonesia and the Philippines to discuss developments concerning the recent kidnapping of seven Indonesians in the Sulu Sea, said Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

Anifah said that the planned meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and the Philippine new foreign secretary would take place pending the latter’s appointment soon.

 “The Indonesian foreign minister has confirmed that 10 Indonesians are currently being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf militants in southern Philippines. We hope to hold the meeting either in Malaysia or one of the two countries as soon as possible,” he said.

Anifah was speaking to reporters after a breaking-of-fast event today attended by Assistant Minsiter to the Chief Minister cum Membakut state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and Bongawan state assemblyman, Datuk Mohamad Alamin.

Seven Indonesian crew of a tugboat were kidnapped by an armed group in southern Philippines four days ago.

Anifah, who is also Kimanis Member of Parliament, said he planned to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to discuss the kidnapping issue and to urge the Philippines to boost patrols in their waters.

 “The abduction cases have caused much concern for Malaysia and Indonesia; the Philippines must be accountable for their people’s actions.

 “A meeting held recently between the three countries’ defence ministers has not issued any reports yet on the proper actions needed to tackle the kidnapping issue due to abductions taking place in international waters,” he said.

Anifah said the three defence ministries had agreed to conduct their own patrols in their respective waters and exchange intelligence information and other forms of aid during their first meeting held in Yogyakarta over a month ago.

 “I hope the discussions between the defence ministers would result in something we can rely on and help overcome fear among the people as fear could affect Sabah’s tourism industry,” he added. — Bernama

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-to-hold-urgent-meeting-with-indonesia-philippines-on-recent-sea-ab