News

  • Nation
  • World Updates
  • Courts
  • Parliament
  • Columnists
  • Opinion
  • Honours List

Friday July 4, 2008 MYT 8:05:41 PM

Malaysia voices displeasure over US statement

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has ticked off the United States over what the Government regarded as "meddling into its internal affairs", following a statement by the US state department on recent investigations on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's case.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said a letter was dispatched to the US Embassy Friday morning addressed to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, voicing Malaysia's "displeasure and unhappiness" over the statement.

"The comments were uncalled for and Malaysia takes a serious view in respect of this position. We made it very clear in our letter that we are displeased with the statement. I hope this is taken stock of.

"Malaysia is a sovereign country with its own rules and laws and the United States should not condemn us just because they do not like our system or because they do not approve of our laws," he told reporters Friday after opening the media centre for the 6th Developing Eight (D8) Summit.

On Monday, foreign wires reported that US State Department spokesman Tom Casey as saying the United States would oppose any "politically motivated investigation" or prosecution of Anwar.

"The main point for us is that the rule of law needs to stand above politics," Casey was quoted as saying in the statement, adding the department "hoped there would not be a pattern" because Anwar had faced similar charges in 1998.

Rais however was of the opinion that the disparaging remarks made by the United States on the matter would not strain ties between both countries, but stressed that a protest note was nevertheless sent to state the Government's displeasure.

"I think it is just an esoteric act on behalf of the US State Department by a junior officer. However, we hope that Anwar will cease to become an 'attractive bird' to the American side.

"The US has a habit of sticking its nose not only in our affairs but they do that almost as a matter of course in respect of other countries as well. But they have a special interest in Malaysia, somehow," he said.

Rais said he would wait for a response from Rice on the issue, adding "we would cross the bridge when the time comes", when asked what Malaysia would do if a response from the US was not forthcoming.

He was also hoping for Rice to attend the sideline meetings of the Asean Ministerial Meeting to be held in Singapore soon as it would serve as a good opportunity to "express our stand directly to Secretary Rice".

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

News Poll