Tuesday, November 27, 2007
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) — The Tourism Ministry today expressed its concern that street demonstrations could adversely affect the industry if allowed to continue.
Its minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said although he was worried about the matter (street demonstrations), so far no foreign country had issued any warning to its citizens about visiting Malaysia.
“I am asking the quarters involved to think carefully and to realise that their actions are not only against the law but can also affect the country’s economy,” he said at a press conference on the Malaysia International Space Adventure (MISA) programme here today.
Yesterday, supporters of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) illegally assembled in the city when it handed a petition on the plight of the Indian community in Malaysia, to the British High Commission in Jalan Ampang here.
The crowd not only refused to heed to police order for them to disperse but also threw stones at the police, injuring four policemen.
Tengku Adnan said yesterday’s demonstration affected the aerobics programme and Batik Fun Walk where only 500 people turned up although 1,500 had earlier indicated participation in the event.
“I have also received a lot of calls locally and from abroad enquiring about the situation in the country,” he said.
Tengku Adnan said street demonstrations could be avoided if the parties involved used the right channels to voice their grievances.
Meawhile, the Asian Tiger is stirred. Excerpt:
Malaysian government reacts, evokes response from Indian govt
Even as the Malaysian government tells TIMES NOW that protesting ethnic Indians derserved to be put in their place, New Delhi has categorically said that it is going to adopt a wait and watch policy.
The Malaysian government has not only declared the protests by the Indian community in Malaysia illegal, but has also said it is politically motivated.
Commenting on the protest by ethnic Indians, Dato’ Seri Rafidah Aziz, Malaysian Minister for Trade and Industry said:”The protests are not only illegal but are also politically motivated.They should understand the difference between genuine issues and issues created for political reasons” She further added:”It is totally illegal. How can they say that they are not getting jobs, Have they applied for jobs.”
Indian government reacts
A day after the protests turned violent in Kuala Lumpur, the Indian government has reacted by adopting a “wait and watch” approach. The Minister of State for External Affairs, E Ahmed categorically said:”These protestors may be of Indian origin but they are Malaysian citizens. We are aware of the situation and are looking into what we can do.”
original article here
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