Malaysia to take in 3000 Syrian refugees in the next three years

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said Malaysia had experience in providing assistance to the people of countries in turmoil including Bosnia-Herzegovina and had been praised internationally.

The prime minister did not mention what prompted the sudden advice. Last week, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Huang Huikang, further clouded the issue by speaking out against racial discrimination and giving the impression that Beijing was attempting to interfere in Malaysian politics.

In a speech delivered at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly here on Thursday, Najib condemned the so-called Islamic State (IS) and called for the world to unite in taking action against the organisation.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that Malaysia itself was susceptible to security challenges emanating from extremist groups, and announced various measures that have been taken to prevent terrorist attacks in the country, including the arrest of over one hundred citizens suspected of links to IS. “They are now key leaders in Bosnia in politics and the corporate sector as well as in their professions”, he said.

“We have identified 39 Malaysians who have travelled to join IS. We must respect our common humanity”. These threats are real.

The government’s decision to accept 3,000 Syrian refugees was made on humanitarian grounds and spurred by Malaysia’s concern over the plight of the war victims.

According to Bernama, Najib received an official invitation from Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to attend this year’s edition of the Expo Milano, the world’s largest exposition which held every four years.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday said strong class=’StrictlyAutoTagBold’ strong class=’StrictlyAutoTagBold’ Malaysia was on track to become a high-income nation by 2020, a media report said. “And it is only when we see that awful picture of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi washed ashore – and recognise our own children in that tragic boy’s innocent face – that we will act as our better selves”.

“Chinese people in Malaysia, don’t fantasise that there will be a big boss coming, that there will be a godfather coming from China to help you”, local media quoted the deputy minister as saying, although he later denied issuing the threat.

Continuing relentless attacks against Mr Najib in his blog, Dr Mahathir said Malaysians feel “ashamed” when they travel overseas because their country is now listed among the top most corrupt nations.