Anti-Terror Center Opens in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Malaysian government opened the doors to a U.S.- promoted counter-terrorism center Tuesday, saying no country could counter extremism in Southeast Asia by itself.

“No one country can fight the evil alone,” Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said at an opening ceremony attended by foreign diplomats. “We have to collaborate closely together to attain this objective.”

He said terrorism remained a threat to Southeast Asia, where blasts killed more than 200 on Indonesia’s Bali island last year and kidnappings and political violence have been chronic in the southern Philippines.

Malaysian officials said the center will focus on studying terrorist groups, enhancing border security and dealing with the aftermath of an attack. It kicks off with a session next month on money laundering.

Washington proposed last year that Malaysia serve as the host nation for the center, after thanking Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for his help in the war on terrorism. However, ties have become strained since then, with Mahathir strongly criticizing the war on Iraq.

“We organized [and funded] the center on our own,” Syed Hamid said. “At the same time, we will invite expertise and cooperation from the U.S. and other countries.”