Wisma Putra summons Chinese ambassador

Wisma Putra is expected to summon Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Dr Huang Hui Kang over his remarks in Petaling Street yesterday that suggested interference on the envoy’s part in the country’s domestic affairs.

The meeting, according to a press statement from Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, will be held at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya on Monday.

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday it appeared the government was behind the red-shirt rally, and that the racial undertones were supported by Prime Minister Najib Razak, The Malaysian Insider reported.

“As such, the Chinese ambassador should withdraw his most inappropriate statement or give a clarification if there is any misinterpretation of his statement so that there would not be any misunderstanding as though China is giving protection to some Malaysians. It is tantamount to interfering in Malaysia’s domestic affairs”, an unnamed official was quoted as saying.

He said that China is against all forms of terrorism, as well as racism and extremism which target specific ethnic groups.

“The Chinese government has always pursued peaceful co-existence in worldwide relationship and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries”.

Beijing, he said, would not think twice about voicing out against any threats to the interests of its citizens or anything that disrupts the relationship between Malaysia and China.

A rally planned by pro-Malay groups in Kuala Lumpur was called off without any notice Saturday, as police secured a predominantly Chinese commercial district where protesters were dispersed with water cannon earlier this month.

However, the rally was cancelled after the arrest of Malay NGO leader Jamal Md Yunos.

“Jamal was the one who said there might be a riot”.

Both have a history of opposing electoral reforms group Bersih, which they accuse of being an opposition-backed movement to overthrow the Malay-led government.

He said he was there when the trading lots were handed out, and Malays and Indians were among those allocated lots when the Petaling Street night bazaar began in the area, which has been regarded as Chinatown.

The incident happened during the Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu rally to “defend Malay dignity”.