Include economic, political issues in defence talks, says Hishammuddin

Malaysia must ensure that economic, political and human trafficking issues are included in talks on national defence and security.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said this was necessary to prevent certain quarters from exploiting the division, anger and egoism between the people and leaders over such issues.

"Despite efforts made to enhance the national defence and security, we must also include economic, political and human trafficking issues.

"This is because the militants can use human trafficking as cover and this will become a threat to national security," he said when commenting on the terror attacks which killed over 100 people in Paris on Friday.

Earlier, he had officiated at a Johor state-level Deepavali celebration held at Dewan Bandaran Kejora, here.

Hishammuddin said the large-scale attacks in Paris meant that ASEAN must speed up the peace process in southern Mindanao (Philippines) and southern Thailand.

"The Abu Sayyaf militant group has pledged their support for the IS militant group. As such, the peace process in the ASEAN region is critical to ensure the stability of the region."

Hishammuddin said Malaysian leaders were also made a target by the IS militant group before the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting in March.

"The IS militant group has put Malaysian leaders in their list of targets but I will like to inform that we will not be intimidated," he added.