Singapore High Commissioner Summoned to Wisma Putra Over Bersih 3.0

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Singapore High Commissioner Ong Keng Yong was summoned to Wisma Putra on Friday, over the involvement of three diplomats from the commission in the illegal Bersih 3.0 gathering on April 28. In a statement here, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said he had called Ong to his office this evening, to convey the displeasure of the Malaysian Government over the trio's participation in the gathering. He said the ministry had received reports from the Malaysian authorities on the participation of the three diplomats in the illegal rally. "As foreign minister, I regard this matter with utmost seriousness," he said. In the meeting with Ong, Anifah said he explained the position of the Malaysian Government that the direct participation of diplomats in the rally was an inappropriate move. In his meeting with the heads of Asean Diplomatic missions on June 11, he said he had raised the issue of the involvement of foreign diplomats during the Bersih 3.0 gathering, in that it might lead to negative perception to the existing good relations between Malaysia and the respective countries. Anifah said he also stressed to Ong that the ministry would not hesitate to take stronger diplomatic action against errant diplomats. He said the ministry understood all diplomatic missions in Malaysia had the responsibility to monitor developments in this country and report to their respective governments. Nevertheless, he said, diplomats must also be mindful of the sensitivities of the host country. "I also believe, diplomats need not be directly involved in illegal gatherings," he added. -- BERNAMA