KUALA
LUMPUR: The involvement of
Malaysia-based foreign diplomats in Bersih 3.0 rally on April 28 has incurred
the displeasure of Wisma Putra.
Foreign
Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said he had received reports about the
involvement and participation of foreign diplomats in street demonstrations,
citing the Bersih rally.
“Whether
such involvement or participation is truly for information gathering or
otherwise, it is definitely not a good move.
“I am
worried that such a move may lead to negative perceptions. Worse, the diplomats
concerned may get involved or injured in unfortunate incidents, given the
unruly nature of street demonstrations. “If that happened, things would be quite
complicated, not least in terms of apportioning blame and responsibility,”
Anifah said during a luncheon with Asean heads of mission here yesterday.
However,
Anifah did not mention the countries involved.
Anifah
said that while he understood it was routine for ambassadors or high
commissioners and their diplomats to follow closely political developments in
their host country and report back to their respective governments, he was sure
they were mindful of the sensitivities of countries in the region on the need
to maintain good relations with one another.
On
Asean, Anifah said 2015 would be a crucial year for Malaysia since Kuala Lumpur
would assume the chairmanship of Asean and the target year for an Asean
Community.
“There
should be an Asean consciousness in the minds of our peoples. They must think
Asean, feel Asean and act Asean.”
He also
touched on the overlapping claims in the South China Sea, saying Malaysia
strongly believed that it should be addressed through peaceful means including
dialogue and discussions among the claimant countries without resorting to
threat or use of force.
“Malaysia
is pleased that there is positive and continuing engagement between Asean and
China as such engagement is essential to ensure continued peace and stability.
“Malaysia
believes the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea should aim at
creating a rules-based framework in managing the conduct and activities of the
parties in the South China Sea,” he added.
He also
said Malaysia was vying for one of the non-permanent seats at the United
Nations Security Council for the term 2015-2016.
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Strategy, Investment and Management, focusing Healthcare and Life Science with expertise in ASEAN. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programmes. Many thanks for visiting www.yourvietnamexpert.com and/or contacting us at contact@yourvietnamexpert.com
No comments:
Post a Comment