Lee Kuan Yew Briefed on Islamic Militant Threat in MalaysiaVisiting Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew was briefed Monday on the threat posed by the Kumpulan Militant Malaysia (KMM), a religious militant organization, and the steps taken by Malaysia to contain its activities.Malaysian Defence Minister Najib Tun Razak gave the introduction during a meeting with Lee here. Lee held that the emergence of Islamic militancy was a worldwide phenomenon and he praised Malaysia's moderate stance in Islam, Najib told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with Lee, who arrived here Sunday on a four-day visit aimed at enhancing ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Najib said Lee regarded Malaysia's interpretation of Islam as being more tolerant given the fact that there was a growing trend of radical Islamic extremism in the region. Early last month, the Malaysian police arrested 10 people under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for alleged involvement in KMM activities prejudicial to national security. Najib explained to Lee on the networking of the KMM in the region and informed him on Kuala Lumpur's position over the KMM. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying last Saturday that KMM had the idea of setting up a so-called Islamic country through the union of three countries -- Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Najib said Lee had also told him that Islamic activities in Singapore had increased and wanted both countries to continue to consolidate the existing relationship and have more bilateral talks. They agreed to strengthen their integration to face the economic challenges ahead. Lee is scheduled to call on Mahathir in Putrajaya, some 45 KM south of the Capital Tuesday. Lee last visited Malaysia in August last year during which he and Mahathir discussed the package of bilateral issues that has on and off strained ties between the two countries. |
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