updated version

The Umno Youth today resolved that it would not condone any rash action taken by the US government in retaliation to the terrorist attacks which destroyed the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon last Tuesday.

"Might doesn't make it right. We hope that judgment will prevail and the pursuit of justice will not turn into a blind rage of violence," said the Youth wing chief Hishamuddin Hussein at a press conference after chairing an Umno Youth Exco meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

"We are pleading to their good sense. Enough lives have been lost already," he added.

Hishamuddin said the Youth wing's stand on the issue will be conveyed in a letter to the US embassy later today.

The Youth leader condemned the attacks in the US and said that terrorism in whatever guise is unacceptable.

"We also wish the US government all the best in its recovery effort in the country," said Hishammudin who is also the Youth and Sports Minister.

He also urged the Human Rights Commission, or Suhakam, to make a stand on the injustices perpetrated on Iraqis and Palestinians by the US in the past.

Following the attacks in which more than 5,000 are feared dead, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar pledged Malaysia's support for the US in combating terrorism but called for proper and cautious measures.

The US is pointing the finger at Osama bin Laden, who is said to be hiding in Afghanistan, as the mastermind behind the attacks even though he has denied responsibility.

President George W Bush has warned of military retaliation if Afghanistan's Taliban government refuses to extradite Osama. However, the Taliban have so far remained defiant and are reported to be preparing for a 'holy war' against the US.

Latest reports said war planes were being deployed to the Persian Gulf region as part of the initial buildup of forces in America's 'new war' against terrorism.

Foreign media portrayal

Asked to comment on a seemingly anti-Islamic campaign in the foreign media, Hishammudin criticised the portrayal of Islam as a religion that advocates violence and instigates its believers into committing terrorist acts.

"Islam is a religion which preaches submission and peace. But what can we do... we do not control the media such as CNN," he said.

Hishammudin also denied that the government was taking advantage of the current situation and that it purportedly created the false impression that Islamic militancy was on the rise in the country.

Opposition leaders have claimed that the rising Islamic militancy was a make-belief threat by the government to weaken their political influence and power.

Pre-emptive measures

"We know that militant groups exist in Malaysia. We have made sure that the militancy did not end up in worse situations, by using the Internal Security Act (ISA) and other laws," said Hishammudin.

He added that the pre-emptive measures were taken "way before the US attacks" and therefore the people must give credit to the leadership.

Early last month, 10 people, mostly PAS members, were arrested by police under the controversial ISA which permits indefinite detention without trial.

The 10, including the son of PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Mentri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, were allegedly involved in the bombing of a church and a temple, bank robberies and the murder of a political figure from the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

The three-hour Youth Exco meeting was convened at the Putra World Trade Centre this morning.

Among the issues discussed were the Youth wing's official stand with regard to the attacks on the US, preparation in the coming Sarawak state elections, and a tuition programme to be launched soon to help improve Malay students' command of English, mathematics and science.