Abu Sayyaf threat can only be contained with international cooperation, says Hishammuddin

From the Malay Mail Online (Aug 28): Abu Sayyaf threat can only be contained with international cooperation, says Hishammuddin

 The threat of the Abu Sayyaf militant group in the Sulu Sea can only be contained with close cooperation between Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the three countries could coordinate in terms of troops and military assets to establish a more effective system to face, and eventually eliminate the threat.

In facing a common enemy, the three countries need a standard operating procedure and joint planning that would allow them to deploy troops and military assets collectively.

 “We should think of how (to handle) the Sulu Sea as it has become a hot spot where we know Abu Sayyaf supports Daesh (militant group) and there are plans to establish an Islamic territory involving areas in the three countries.

 “We are exploring it (methods of cooperation) involving the foreign ministries, home ministries and the approval and mandate from the top leaders of the countries involved,” he said at a press conference here, today.

Earlier, he opened the Bukit Katil Umno division delegates meeting which was also attended by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Senator Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam (Bukit Katil Umno division chief) and over 2,000 members.

He said this when asked to comment on the aggressive action by the Philippines government of President Rodrigo Duterte to combat the Abu Sayyaf militant group in the country.

Hishammuddin said Malaysia had taken proactive measures by placing military and defence assets at strategic locations to curb the threat of the group.

 “Our fighter aircraft have been moved to Labuan, we have also created a forward base primarily for our helicopters, where thinking outside the box, we used a decommissioned oil rig in the middle of the sea.

 “Gempita (armoured vehicles) have been placed in Tawau, and a decision has been made to place a (military) battalion there, so since the Lahad Datu incident, we have not stood still.”

 He regretted the Opposition ignoring the country’s need to deal with such threats, so much so they were willing to accuse the government of fabricating the Lahad Datu incident.

In February 2013, a group of Sulu militants invaded Lahad Datu, causing over a month-long standoff between the group and Malaysian Armed Forces, which resulted in the death of over 60 people, including armed forces personnel and civilians. — Bernama

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/abu-sayyaf-threat-can-only-be-contained-with-international-cooperation-says