(dropping "New" from "The New Straits Times" to read "The Straits Times" in
intro.)
SINGAPORE, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian High Commission in Singapore
has responded to letters published in The Straits Times last Thursday on the
alleged participation of three Singaporean diplomats in the Bersih 3.0 rally
seeking electoral reforms held in Kuala Lumpur on April 28.
Counsellor (Political) Nik Ady Arman wrote that firstly, it was important to
recognise the difference between the action taken by the Government of Malaysia
and the acts of certain NGOs and interest groups.
He said that while the Malaysian government had summoned Singapore''s High
Commissioner to Malaysia to address the issue diplomatically, the reaction of
the NGOs and other interest groups did not come as a surprise considering the
sentiments involved and was just as anticipated, as were the responses expressed
by the readers in their letters to The Straits Times.
Secondly, Nik Ady said, there was also a need to appreciate the minor but
nevertheless significant differences attached to the issue of diplomats
attending a legitimate and illegal rally.
He said Malaysia, as a democratic country, had never restricted or prevented
anyone from participating in any legitimate assembly, but pointed out that it
was important to remember that the Bersih 3.0 rally was an illegal one.
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SINGAPORE-BERSIH 2 SINGAPORE
"Not just foreign citizens’ participation in local illegal rallies would
generate speculation on the motive for their involvement, but the host
government would also be accountable should the diplomats become victims of
violent acts during the demonstration," he said.
Nik Ady said this was why Malaysian diplomats were continuously reminded to
be mindful not to participate in illegal activities while serving abroad.
Thirdly, he said, Malaysia appreciated the Singapore government’s decision
to reject the application from certain groups in support of Bersih 3.0 in
Singapore, which he added was a friendly gesture that surely had been in
Singapore’s best interest as well.
"Fourthly, there is no truth in the assertion that Malaysians still think of
Singapore as an “adik” (younger sibling). Many Malaysians were born after or
have very little experience with the separation (of Malaysia and Singapore in
1965).
To them, Nik Ady said, Singapore has always been a separate independent
country from Malaysia.
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Furthermore, he said, the success of its closest neighbours was important to
Malaysia, as "we are clearly aware that prosperity can only be achieved when our
neighbours are also doing well".
Nik Ady noted that the prime ministers of both countries were also visionary
enough to have left the historical baggage behind, as evident from recent
encouraging developments in bilateral cooperation.
On June 22, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman summoned
Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Ong Keng Yong to explain that “the
direct participation of diplomats in the illegal rally is an inappropriate
move”.
The Singapore High Commission has denied that the diplomats participated in
the rally, saying they attended as observers as part of their “diplomatic
duties”.
-- BERNAMA
TNS TNS MGN