Malaysian FM chides European Parliament resolution

By P Prem Kumar

KUALA LUMPUR

Malaysia has warned the European Union (EU) to not meddle in the country's internal affairs after the European Parliament passed a non-legislative resolution condemning the government’s for suppressing human rights.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Sunday that Malaysia’s government strongly believes that any sovereign country must be granted full respect in deciding on its internal affairs, accusing European parliamentarians of violating the longstanding warm ties between the region and Malaysia.

"It is indispensable to all countries, including Malaysia, to be given the required space to ensure the continued peace, security and stability of the country," he said in a statement.

Aman said that instead of a resolution, the European Parliament should have followed tradition by engaging the Malaysian government in dialogue, to air all views and dissatisfaction.

"We therefore view it as unfortunate that the European Parliament has acted hastily and chosen monologue by issuing this resolution."

Earlier this week, the European Parliament adopted a motion requesting Malaysia to release political detainees, namely former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, to revoke anti-gay and anti-sodomy laws in the country and to scrap the National Security Council Bill.

The bill was passed earlier this month by the Malaysian Parliament's lower house despite widespread criticism of the law on the grounds that it allegedly gives Prime Minister Najib Razak supreme power -- surpassing that of the Malaysian King -- over the country's security assets.

The European Parliament also touched on the country’s “poor” human rights record, including the alleged gagging of dissent, the opposition and civil society.

Aman said Sunday that the government -- taking into account its historical experience as a multi-religious society -- maintains that equal emphasis must be placed on the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and on the duties and responsibilities attached to the exercise of such rights.

"On the basis of its consultations with various Malaysian agencies, the foreign ministry has been in regular communication with the EU through our Embassy in Brussels and also through the EU Representation in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.

"This is not the first time that the EU has raised its concerns. Nevertheless we will seek to engage the EU at the next available opportunity."