Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak reiterated today Malaysia's stand in opposing unconstitutional attempts to undermine the people’s will as expressed through the ballot box.

While condemning the attempted military coup in Turkey, Najib said that such action in any form must never be tolerated because the democratic process is the foundation of freedom, security and prosperity in a country.

"Turkey and Malaysia are firm allies in the fight against terrorism and extremism. We are trading partners and partner states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

"We stand together in opposing unconstitutional attempts to undermine the people’s will, as expressed through the ballot box. Coups in any form must never be tolerated," Najib said in his official Facebook page today.

He said he hoped to see stability and calm return to Turkey as soon as possible, and welcomed the news that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared the attempted coup was over.

"It is particularly concerning that many have been killed and injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turkish people," said Najib.

According to the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra), a total of 260 Malaysians, including 180 students, in Turkey are reported to be safe following the attempted coup by a faction of the Turkish military yesterday.

- Bernama