Official spokesman needed to address Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral issues

PADANG (SUMATRA), July 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the suggestion by Malaysia for an official spokesperson be appointed to address bilateral issues that crop up between Malaysia and Indonesia was apt. The move, he said, could prevent any confusion that might arise should there be too many people clarifying on certain issues. "I think the suggestion is apt because as a spokesperson the person will be able to issue statements that can be understood easily at a certain time and for a certain party," he said. Rais was speaking to reporters after speaking at a cultural seminar on "Islamic Spirit in the Malay Cultural Heritage" organised by the Malay World Islamic World here on Thursday. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday suggested that an official government spokesperson be appointed by Malaysia to ensure that issues cropping up between Indonesia and the country could be addressed quickly and effectively, as well as to avoid misunderstandings or misconceptions about Malaysia by its neighbour that could create polemics. -- BERNAMA