Unjust conditions breed terrorism and therefore its root causes must be addressed in seeking a long-term resolution to the problem, said Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

"Terrorism will not rear its ugly head if the conditions that breed it do not exist," he said in his closing speech at the two-day conference on terrorism in Kuala Lumpur.

The deputy premier said terrorism feeds on injustices such as ethnic cleansing, religious prosecution, trampling of political aspirations, oppression and the absence of satisfactory avenues to seek redress.

He added that punitive measures will be inefficient in coping with terrorism and could make terrorist movements stronger as there will be new recruits joining them.

Abdullah also said it is important to study terrorism by taking into consideration of their various causes.

"No two breeding grounds for terrorism are the same. Each environment nurses it special grievances," he said.

It is therefore important to offer remedial measures accordingly based on the principles of eliminating injustices and promoting human welfare, he added.

Rule of law

He also said the actions against terrorism, whether at home or abroad, must be governed by the rule of law and accepted norms.

Citing Malaysia as an example, the minister stressed that it is a moderate Islamic nation which has always acted in line with these principles to eradicate poverty and improve the living standards.

"Without such a policy, our people could have been alienated and disenfranchised, thus creating a critical mass of discontent, ready to be tapped by would-be terrorists," he said.

He also gave assurance that no Malaysians including the minorities would be alienated.

"We will continue to protect the rights and freedom of all our people, regardless of race and religion," he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the opening of the conference said Malaysia did not just fight terrorism with arms but took actions to win the hearts and minds of the people.

The two-day conference was attended by government ministers, members of the opposition, academics and the private sector.