Malaysia Update

 PUTRAJAYA: The government will consider at next week's cabinet meeting whether to keep peacekeepers in southern Mindanao

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said officials from the Philippine government met ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Rastam Mohamad Isa last week to request the continuation of Malaysia's aid in negotiations on ancestral land between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"A short report on the meeting with the Philippine government representatives will be submitted to the cabinet meeting before any decision is made," he said after launching the ministry's first strategic plan here yesterday.

Malaysia began withdrawing 40 ceasefire monitors from Mindanao last April due to a lack of progress in the peace process bet-ween the Philippine government and the MILF.

The talks were suspended last August after three guerilla commanders went on a rampage, killing dozens of people.
"Both sides must also show their interest and be committed to resolving this issue as soon as possible.

"Malaysia will remain supportive of the peace process."

On the strategic plan, Rais said it emphasised strengthening the ministry's institutional capabilities and human capital.

"Through the plan, our officers will be equipped with many skills. Training courses on foreign languages and negotiation skills will also be offered to them to improve their capabilities."