Paris attack may happen in Malaysia, warns Hisham
Kow Gah ChiePublished: Jan 9, 2015 1:00 PM | Updated: Jan 9, 2015 11:05 PM
The terrorism attack in Paris, which left 12 dead, can also happen in Malaysia, warned Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
UPDATED 3.58PM
The defence minister says security must be beefed up.
The terrorism attack in Paris, which left 12 dead, can also happen in Malaysia, warned Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
"I came back from Paris and London last month, I had a discussion with their intelligence agencies, what happened was not something unexpected," he told reporters.
"Don't take it lightly that what was faced by that country (France) is not impossible for us to face (here)," he said.
As such, he said Malaysia must beef up its security, especially in the Sabah coastal area.
Furthermore, Hishammuddin added that the ministry would raise the national security agenda at the weekly post-cabinet meeting.
France was on high alert after hooded attackers on Wednesday killed 12 people at the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a weekly known for lampooning religion and politics, in the most deadly militant attack on French soil in decades.
A kebab shop next to a mosque in eastern Paris was rocked by an explosion yesterday.
'Do not overreact to attacks'
Hishammuddin emphasised that both attacks – at the magazine and the mosque – were done by just a small group.
He reiterated the bombing was wrong and doesn't represent Muslims in general.
Hishammuddin cautioned the people not to overreact to news on the mosque attack.
"I see the French society as democratically responsible and mature. The majority of them do not lay blame on and label the Muslims (as terrorists)," he said.
"However, back home, are we as mature as western (society) when we talk about the issues of race, religion and politics?" he asked.
If there is no culture of dialogue, he said it will bring chaos to the country.
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"I came back from Paris and London last month, I had a discussion with their intelligence agencies, what happened was not something unexpected," he told reporters."Don't take it lightly that what was faced by that country (France) is not impossible for us to face (here)," he said.
As such, he said Malaysia must beef up its security, especially in the Sabah coastal area.
Furthermore, Hishammuddin added that the ministry would raise the national security agenda at the weekly post-cabinet meeting.
France was on high alert after hooded attackers on Wednesday killed 12 people at the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo, a weekly known for lampooning religion and politics, in the most deadly militant attack on French soil in decades.
A kebab shop next to a mosque in eastern Paris was rocked by an explosion yesterday.
'Do not overreact to attacks'
Hishammuddin emphasised that both attacks – at the magazine and the mosque – were done by just a small group.
He reiterated the bombing was wrong and doesn't represent Muslims in general.
Hishammuddin cautioned the people not to overreact to news on the mosque attack.
"I see the French society as democratically responsible and mature. The majority of them do not lay blame on and label the Muslims (as terrorists)," he said.
"However, back home, are we as mature as western (society) when we talk about the issues of race, religion and politics?" he asked.
If there is no culture of dialogue, he said it will bring chaos to the country.
Related stories
France 'almost certain' Hebdo suspects circled
Paris attack set to deepen Europe's 'culture war'
White Paper on terrorism a progressive step
Expect some Malaysians to justify Paris killings
Parisians carry on, rattled but defiant
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