Malaysia's approach, themed 'Peace and Security through Moderation' which brought success to the country in securing the non-permanent member seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), was a relevant concept for the international community to combat extremism, noted envoys.

Malaysia, which won the seat in October last year, assumes the post from Jan 1, this year until 2016.

French Ambassador to Malaysia, Christophe Penot said the approach, which he described as a "meaningful one", could help the world tackle issues and resolve conflicts.

With such a specific approach, Malaysia could project itself as a leading example of a tolerant and progressive Islamic nation as it urged the nation to respect democracy and the rule of law, emphasising on education and mediation to resolve conflicts, he told BERNAMA.

"Moderation could thus, be the cornerstone of a 'diplomacy of equilibrium'," he said, noting that the successful election was not a surprise as Malaysia was a very good candidate.

Penot said as France - a permanent member of the UNSC - attached great importance to the Security Council and its central responsibility in maintaining global peace and international security, the two countries would work closely in eliminating threats that could lead to global destabilisation.

He said Malaysia was already contributing to France's collective efforts by participating in the UN peacekeeping operation and by facilitating the Mindanao Peace Process between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Therefore, collective efforts are necessary for these solutions to be effectively implemented on the ground," he said.

Apart from France, the other UNSC permanent members are China, the United Kingdom, Russia and the US.

China's envoy to Malaysia, Dr Huang Huikang said China greatly appreciated Malaysia's responsible attitude and relentless efforts to push for peace and moderation in the world.

Malaysia's election to the UNSC epitomised that the country's principle-based foreign policy had been endorsed by the international community, and its role in the international arena was greatly expected.

Huang said, as both countries embarked on its 'Diamond Age' of bilateral relations, he hoped the two nations would continue to support each other through mutual trust and sincere friendship as had been the case for the past four decades.

United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Joseph Y. Yun said the UN Charter made it clear that candidates for membership on the Security Council should be contributors to the maintenance of international peace and security.

It should support the UN's other purposes, including promoting universal respect for human rights, he said, adding that the US looked forward to future collaborations.

"Our two countries share a history of collaboration on global issues and we look forward to working together in this arena to uphold these responsibilities and tackle the many global challenges we face," Yun told BERNAMA.

A special aid of RM500 each will be given out to households badly affected by floods, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Deputy Prime Minister said an estimated 82,000 households would benefit from the one-off aid payment, which would be given out as soon as possible.

Muhyiddin said all affected victims had to first register with the authorities within a one-week timeframe.

"The Cabinet has agreed to give out this special aid after taking into account the magnitude of the floods this year to lessen the people's burden.

"The next-of-kin of 23 people who have lost their lives during the floods will also receive a payment of RM5,000 each," he said after chairing the Pahang floods co-ordination meeting at the district office here.

Muhyiddin said other forms of aid include three-day food rations for those who have returned to their homes, cost of living allowances for those who lost their homes and seeking shelter with relatives and other assistance such as gas stoves, pillows and mattresses.