Opposition condemns Bali carnage, calls for detailed probe
The opposition today condemned the bomb blast in Bali, Indonesia which took almost 200 lives but urged Western powers not to point their fingers at anyone before comprehensive investigations are completed.
Barisan Alternatif conveyed its condolences and sympathies to those who lost their families in Saturday's carnage.
The opposition front comprising PAS, Keadilan, and PRM described the bombing as "an act of terror and inhumanity".
However, it added that any allegation linking the attack to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah groups before an investigation is conducted is "premature".
"We urge all parties to leave the matter to the Indonesian government so that it could conduct detailed investigations and identify the causes and those responsible for the attack," read a statement issued by BA secretariat chairperson Abdul Rahman Othman.
The BA also expressed regret that the United States, Australia and some other countries had jumped to conclusion when commenting on the Bali explosions.
"Labelling certain groups as terrorists and holding them responsible for violent acts is reflective of the overzealousness and stereotyping of the US and its western allies," said the front.
It went on to urge Southeast Asian countries to strengthen cooperation and strategic planning among themselves to monitor, contain and eradicate any form of terrorism in the region.
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