Local Editor

Malaysia's Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein declared that his country is not involved in a military "coalition" announced by Saudi Arabia with the purpose of "fighting terrorism" in the region.

Hussein made his remarks on Tuesday while commenting on a report by Saudi Arabia's state news agency, the Saudi Press Agency [SPA], which said Malaysian forces participated in a military drill led by and held inside Saudi Arabia.

"I have stated from the beginning that we are not involved militarily," he said, addressing speculation that the Malaysian forces may - in addition to participation in the drill - also be involved in the "coalition."

"Military training does not mean we are directly involved in operations. Besides, I will not allow it," the Malaysian minister said.

Hussein further noted that the Defense Ministry would be seeking clarification from the Malaysian armed forces about the level of involvement in the military drill, which is dubbed "Thunder of the North."

Although Malaysia supported a fight against terrorism in doctrine, however its fight has not been militarily, according to Hussein.

Back in late 2015, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of an "anti-terrorism" alliance that it claimed included some 34 countries.

Not to mention, Malaysia was not the only country to reject the official Saudi claim. Pakistan and Lebanon also denied they were part of the "coalition."

Saudi Arabia has been attempting to rally a number of countries behind itself in an aggressive foreign policy agenda that also includes a bloody war on Yemen. The aggression, which began in March 2015, has so far killed nearly 8,300 people, including 2,236 children, and injured over 16,000 others.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team