Malaysia's Participation In Alliance 34 Only To Share Information - MAF Chief

PORT DICKSON, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's participation in the alliance of 34 Islamic countries headed by Saudi Arabia to combat militant activities and violence is only to share information and does not involve military operation.

Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said Malaysia's participation in the alliance was in line with the nation's policy to fight any form of violence.

"It is just an alliance of 34 countries to combat violence, it does not involve military alliance, it is not a military pact, just a loose alliance.

"It does not involve military personnel and we merely share information and exchange views," he told a media conference after a Wearing of Ranks and Presentation of Certificates ceremony to Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officer cadet graduates, here Saturday.

Also present were Army chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, Navy chief Admiral Datuk Seri Panglima Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin and Air Force chief General Tan Sri Roslan Saad.

At the ceremony, 96 officer cadet graduates comprising 52 army, nine navy and 33 air force officer cadet graduates as well as two Johor Military Force officer cadet graduates were commissioned as Second Lieutenant.

Besides, he said, increasing security challences in non-traditional forms in the region such as cross-border crimes especially at the terresterial border had influenced the preparedness plans of ATM to forge regional cooperation as a positive move in line with the diplomatic efforts of the government.

"The concept of military diplomacy such as strengthening bilateral ties with neighbouring countries will continue to be enhanced through negotiations and training cooperation.

"Professional ties established by ATM would be an asset to the country in boosting diplomatic relations forged through various political networks by the country's top leadership," he said.

Apart from Malaysia, Alliance 34 is also participated by Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan and African countries.

The countries joined Alliance 34 to fight violence from its joint operation centre based in Riyadh by coordinating and supporting military operations.

-- BERNAMA