Friday August 8, 2008 MYT 4:19:58 PM
US told to butt out
By V.P. SUJATA
PUTRAJAYA: A body like the United Nations and not the United States should reprimand a country on its internal affairs, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
Strongly asking the United States not to meddle in Malaysia's internal affairs anymore, he said even the UN secretary-general has not said anything about how Malaysia is handling its legal matters.
Responding to a statement by former US Vice-President Al Gore that the Malaysian Government was involved in "character assassination to silence an effective leader of the political opposition," Dr Rais said he would like to see US' discriminatory approach being scrutinised by others.
He added that the UN should play the role of the world policeman and not the US.
"The UN secretary-general had not uttered a word meaning that he respects our law and justice system; why should a lesser mortal from the US air it out in clarion call to say that Malaysia is not up to their standards.
"Why should Gore and the former US Vice-President give judgment of evaluation of a country; does he not know the meaning for the UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and the UN Charter - respect for the internal affairs of a country," he told reporters Friday after a flag hoisting ceremony in conjunction with the 41st Asean Day celebration at Wisma Putra here.
Dr Rais added that Malaysia's Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code originated from the Common Law and there was no reason for any other power to criticise the country's administration of justice.
"But if they had any substantive legal problem that they would like to highlight internationally, they are welcome to discuss with us but in a manner that is judicious, careful and respectful," he said.
When asked if Wisma Putra would summon the US Embassy to explain the statements made against Malaysia, Dr Rais said there were too many summoning cases lately and he would prefer to let it go.
Dr Rais also called on Asean members to uphold Asian values and be good neighbours in order to be a fine example to the world.
The Asean Charter that had become a reality, he said, would help to strengthen Asean and instil it with a renewed sense of purpose, while reaffirming key Asean principles and objectives.
He added that the spiralling fuel costs and issues of energy security, regional financial cooperation and food security were some of the current challenges that demanded effective and concerted effort by Asean to play a constructive role.
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