PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysians should support the government in order to stamp out elements of terrorism and radicalism that harm national peace and harmony, said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a statement on Monday (Jan 18).

"The war against terrorism demands Malaysians, irrespective of their ideologies, to rally behind the government's efforts in stamping out the threats," he said.

He said that in light of the unprecedented terrorist attacks in countries such as Indonesia, Burkina Faso and Turkey, Malaysians, should put their "hands together in supporting the Government to stamp out any elements of terrorism and radicalism that could wreck national peace and harmony".

"This is our new war. A war against terrorism that demands the rakyat to rally behind us, not for politics, but for national interest and sovereignty," said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid.

He also assured the public that Prime Minister Najib Razak had vowed to fight terrorism "tooth and nail" while also adding that Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had promised the full cooperation of the armed forces.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said that Malaysians must trust and have confidence in the security forces in carrying out their duties.

He also urged each and every Malaysian to be alert to terrorist threats and added that the security forces should be allowed to execute their task "without askance and prejudice".

"We should be grateful that we feel safe and secure walking in the streets of cities, anywhere else in the country, thanks to our the dedication and loyalty of our security forces," said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

He also asked the public to refrain from making any speculation that could not only cause confusion but also create misconception concerning the country's affairs.