KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has condemned the “gruesome and barbaric” terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in the Russian capital earlier this morning as a “despicable atrocity” and ignorant of Islamic values.
In a statement today, the prime minister stressed that Malaysia is ready to work with all its partners, including the Russian Federation, towards the common struggle of its fight against terrorism.
“As a Muslim, I feel compelled to underscore that this utterly despicable atrocity can never be said to represent Islam or, indeed, any religion.
“We must therefore stand firm against allowing such wickedness and evil to eclipse the peaceful and noble teachings of the world’s great faiths,” Anwar added.
He also conveyed his deepest sympathies and profound condolences to the victims, their families, and the people of Russia.
“This gruesome and barbaric rampage has no place in the civilised world.
“The fact that the attack took place in a major concert hall, an epicentre of culture, is almost certainly by design, calculated to inflict maximum damage.”
Previously, it was reported that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) had claimed responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people and injuries to over 145 others.
The claim, which did not provide supporting evidence, is said to have been made by the group in a short statement published by an Isis-affiliated news agency.
Earlier, the Malaysian Foreign Ministry confirmed that all Malaysians in Moscow have been reported safe in the aftermath of the attack, which has since drawn global outrage from political leaders and governments.
Reports from Russian media indicate that 6,200 tickets had been purchased for the concert scheduled to feature the band Picnic.
The attack in Krasnogorsk, the administrative centre of the Moscow region, took place as the band was performing in the hall, according to preliminary information.
The band was not injured in the attack, according to law enforcement agencies.
Russia’s Emergency Ministry said about one-third of the building was engulfed in flames, with several helicopters working to extinguish the blaze.
The federation’s Investigative Committee has since launched an investigation into the terrorist attack, while Moscow’s special envoy for Ukraine said Russia is set to request a meeting of the United Nations’ Security Council. – March 23, 202