A visit by the Chinese ambassador to Kuala Lumpur's Petaling Street last Friday is drawing strong reactions from Putrajaya. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, September 27, 2015.
Umno Youth has slammed the Chinese ambassador for interfering in Malaysia's affairs, following remarks he made during a recent visit to Petaling Street.
In a statement on Facebook today, Umno Youth's international affairs bureau chairman Datuk Mohamed Hazali Abu Hassan said they took exception to Dr Huang Huikang's statement that China would not remain idle should racial tensions erupt here.
The Chinese envoy courted controversy when he visited Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown on Friday, where he reportedly said that Beijing was opposed to terrorism, extremism and any form of discrimination based on race.
It was later reported that Huang would be summoned to Wisma Putra to explain his actions.
Hazali said Huang's visit was sensitive given the controversy surrounding Petaling Street at this time, adding that the statements the envoy made there raised eyebrows and could have a negative impact on a potentially volatile issue.
"We duly note his statements but according to the norms and protocols of international relations, no foreign power has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
"Malaysia has allowed space for freedom of speech and peaceful rallies and would not seek to silence any party from voicing their opinions, even ones from those who are not in agreement with the current government," he added.
Hazali added that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strong for over four decades, noting that China had lent Malaysia two pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang, to symbolise the friendship.
He urged Huang to explain, and also wanted Wisma Putra to take action.
"We would also like to remind other ambassadors and high commissioners to seek advice from Wisma Putra before making any visits or statements especially when it involves respecting the feelings and sensitivities of the Malaysian people," he added.
Petaling Street was the scene of chaos on September 16 when police had to use water cannons to disperse a crowd of red shirt protestors who wanted to force their way into the area.
One of the leaders of the rally, Datuk Jamal Md Yunos, had earlier threatened to protest again in Chinatown yesterday to demand the authorities raid traders there who he alleged were involved in selling fake goods and running illegal businesses. The rally was later called off.
- TMI
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.