KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia must prepare for the economic and security impact of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, the country's National Security Council said on Tuesday.
This will take the form of a coordinated and comprehensive response that will address rising fuel costs, efforts to curb fuel smuggling, and potential security threats within the country's borders, the federal agency under the Prime Minister's Department responsible for coordinating national security policies, public order, and defense said in a statement following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In addition to these measures, it also said Malaysia will continue working with its partners to push for a diplomatic solution to the current conflict.
Separately, Anwar said in a statement that he had spoken to Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express Malaysia's support and offer condolences over the losses suffered by these countries in the ongoing conflict.
"I expressed deep concern over the prolonged tensions and their implications for regional security and the well-being of the people, while also conveying condolences over the loss of lives and damage to property resulting from the retaliatory attacks," he said. ■
