MALAYSIA STRONGLY CONDEMNS ISLAMABAD MARRIOTT HOTEL BOMBING

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Monday condemned the horrific
bomb attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday which
claimed at least 60 lives.

Foreign Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the government was also
deeply shocked and saddened that the bombing was deliberately directed at a
civilian target designed to inflict maximum human casualties.

"That this senseless act of violence was committed during the holy month of
Ramadan has made it all the more reprehensible.

"It is our hope that the perpetrators of this heinous and despicable crime
be brought to justice," he said in a statement.

Rais said the horrendous bomb attack on a civilian target demonstrated the
fundamental need for the international community to forge a stronger front in
combating all forms of terrorism and extremism as they constituted among the
biggest challenges to mankind and the principles of the rule of law and
democracy.

He said Malaysia remained firmly committed in engaging in a constructive
manner all regional and international efforts in combating terrorism.