Ahmad Zahid (left) presenting a memento to Modi during a meeting in New Delhi yesterday. — Bernama photo
NEW DELHI: India wants Malaysia to be on the frontline in tackling terrorism and the global radicalisation threat from Daesh, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated so in a closed-door meeting at the latter’s official residence here, late Tuesday evening.
“India recognises the success of Malaysia through the moderation concept initiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in combating terrorism which has been practised Malaysia.
“In fact, India wants Malaysia to present these policies and methods not only in the Asean region but also during the Asean Summit with Asean dialogue partners as well as at the international level,” he said.
Speaking to Malaysian media after a 45-minute meeting with Modi, Ahmad Zahid who is also the Malaysian Home Minister, said India also commended the proactive and serious measures taken by Malaysia in addressing the threat of terrorism.
He said India also wanted to learn anti-terrorism law that had been practised in Malaysia including how to convict a terrorist or militant using the proper and suitable law mechanism.
Therefore, he said, India enforcement agency officials involved in the prevention of violence and deradicalisation would be sent to Malaysia for three months’ training.
“In this regard, India has accepted our invitation. The question of when this will start is up to them because our police and the Prisons Department are ready to help and accept them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Modi also touched on the need to adopt the education system practised in religious schools in Malaysia and madrasah as India had approximately 200 million Muslims currently.
“I was told that India is facing problems in education issues and wants to learn from Malaysia on education management and the teaching of Islam without compromising and neglecting academic aspects,” he said.
In this regard, India had proposed that their scholars and non-governmental organisations be given the opportunity to participate in ulama and umarak (leaders) conferences either as participants or speakers, he said.
On his visit to India, Ahmad Zahid said it was a very good experience for Malaysia in creating a new diplomatic network for the benefit of the country in the long run.
“What is more important is how togetherness beyond the scope of diplomatic can be strengthened and simplified to address and solve any issues together (with India) that may exist in the future,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who arrived here on Monday, will leave for Sri Lanka on Wednesday night for a two-day working visit. — Bernama