ASEAN Must Put Forward Moderation Narrative To Curb Extremism - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must put forward a positive narrative of moderation, hope and peace to curb extremism amid the threat posed by the so-called "Islamic State". Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said sadly, some ASEAN citizens had joined forces with those in Syria and Iraq to commit atrocities in the name of Islam. "They are, of course, tragically misguided, and we wholeheartedly condemn their actions," he said when addressing the 26th ASEAN Summit opening ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here Monday. Najib said it was not enough to state rejection of provocations and violence. "We know from both our histories and our present times that the spark of extremism can too easily be fanned into flames. "Irresponsible, rabble-rousing talk can swiftly lead to the persecution of minorities who have been part of the tapestry of our region for centuries. This, too, we utterly condemn," he said. The leaders of the 10-member regional pact are in the capital to attend the two-day summit which began Sunday. The 10 ASEAN members comprise Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam. Therefore, Najib said it was imperative that the Summit adopted the Langkawi Declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates as the region was not spared from the threat of extremism. According to Malaysia's Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, the Langkawi declaration is intended to strengthen ASEAN unity and solidarity and its central role in maintaining and promoting peace, stability, harmony and prosperity in the region. -- BERNAMA