A five-nation grouping dedicated to the defence of Malaysia and Singapore is to shift its focus from conventional threats to terrorism, Defence Minister Najib Tun Razak said today.

He was speaking after a one-day meeting in Penang with his counterparts from Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Singapore, which comprise the 32-year-old Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA).

"The ministers agreed we should look at non-conventional forms of threats, in particular global terrorism, piracy and illegal immigrants," Najib told a news conference.

"The ministers agreed that external threats in the conventional form have diminished."

Joint efforts

He said a shift in emphasis to terrorism did not mean the FPDA "will be involved in operational terms but we are looking at joint training, intelligence sharing and capacity building."

"We are steadfast against any form of terrorism and we will continue to work together to combat the menace of terrorism. The FPDA is flexible and it can meet any new challenges."

Asked about plans to establish an anti-terrorism centre in Malaysia with US backing, Najib said: "The centre is designed to enhance capacity building. We'll obtain counter-terrorism experts from around the world, including from members of FPDA."

Singapore's Defence Minister Tony Tan told the news conference: "Cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore in the area of counter-terrorism is excellent.

"With regards to the anti-terrorism centre, Singapore will be one of the countries which will work with Malaysia and other countries to enhance our capabilities."

Malaysia and Singapore have both detained dozens of alleged members of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiah (JI) Islamic militant group, blamed for the Bali bombings in Indonesia last October that killed more than 200 people.

Tan said that while there was no specific intelligence about another attack on the scale of the Bali bombing, "I can tell you there will be another terrorist attack if countries do not keep up their guard.

Good example

"We know this terrorist threat is far from over. We do know the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah network has not been completely demolished. We live in a very dangerous world and we have to continue to keep our vigilance."

New Zealand Defence Minister Mark Burton described the planned anti-terrorism centre as "a good example of the practical things FPDA can do. Cooperation and information sharing can be enhanced in the future."

Meanwhile, the FPDA's role as a bulwark for the conventional defence of Malaysia and Singapore will be reinforced through a major military exercise codenamed "Flying Fish," which the five countries are expected to hold in the South China Sea from June 20 to July 5.