KUALA LUMPUR: The Global Movement of Moderates Foundation today expressed its deep concern and grief over the deadly suicide bombings last night at the Kampung Melayu Transjakarta bus terminal in Indonesia.
GMMF executive chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Dr Nasharudin Mat Isa said they were equally concerned over the siege of Marawi City in the Philippines by the Maute group, which has seen dozens of gunmen occupying city halls, releasing of inmates, and the burning of places of worship.
“GMMF, in keeping abreast of developments through its regional partners and contact experts in both nations, wishes to send its heartfelt prayers to both the people and leaders of the Republics of Indonesia and the Philippines respectively.
“These horrific terrorist attacks, coming in short respite from the tragic Manchester suicide bombing, only serve to highlight the need for the “Global Movement of the Moderates” to continue apace in promoting the voices of moderation and peace - which is to be cherished by all, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, culture or community against such acts of extremism,” he said in a statement today.
Nasharudin also quoted GMMF’s founder-patron Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who had said that “we must choose negotiations over confrontation. We must choose to work together and not against each other. “
“And we must give this effort utmost priority for time is not on our side” for this region, or any other, cannot allow for such extremist groups and ideologies to have any semblance of opportunity to gain a foothold in our society,” Nasharudin added.
It was reported that two suspected suicide bombers killed three Indonesian police officers and injured 10 people on Wednesday night in the twin blasts in East Jakarta.
In Marawi City in the Philippines, militants linked to the Islamic State swept through the city, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Roman Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of Isis, regional authorities have said.
President Rodrigo Duterte had reportedly declared martial law across the southern third of the country – where Marawi city is located – and warned on Wednesday that he may expand it nationwide.
Officials said at least 21 people were killed in the fighting.