Overseas Statements Held Prejudicial

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30559, 30 September 1964, Page 22

Overseas Statements Held Prejudicial

(N Z P A.-Reuter-—Copyright) KUALA LUMPUR, September 28. The Malaysian Government was today urged to reach an understanding with Britain, Australia and New Zealand that all important statements on its dispute with Indonesia should be issued in Kuala Lumpur and not in London, Canberra or w elhngton.

The recommendation was made by “Utusan Melayu,” a Malaylanguage daily newspaper which supports strongly the United Malays National Organisation, the major party in the Alliance Government. It was necessary for the Government to reach an understanding with its allies to refute Indonesia’s charges that Malaysia was created by the British, the newspaper said. It added: “Most of the important statements, particularly on military aid, were issued in either London, Canberra, or Wellington. “A Likely Reason” “Apart from these, there were also statements issued in London which affected our status as a sovereign and independent nation. “We do not belittle or deprecate the spirit behind the statements made in London. Canberra or Wellington, but is it not better for such statements to be issued in the Malaysian capital? “This matter may be regarded as a trifle, but it is also the likely reason why we are always accused of being under the influence of another power.”

is it not better for such statements to be issued in the Malaysian capital? “This matter may be regarded as a trifle, but it is also the likely reason why we are always accused of being under the influence of another power.” Overseas Visit The newspaper also called on the Government to send a mission led by a Malay to Middle East and African countries before the second

Afro-Asian conference In Algiers next year. It said that if a Malay led the mission it could create an impression that Malaysia was not controlled by British, Chinese, or Indians. Appeal to Australia In Djakarta, a Moslem party leader has appealed to Australia not to get involved in the Malaysia issue. Mr S. Siradj. deputy chairman of the Indonesian Islamic Party, said on Saturday that Australia’s direct involvement in the issue would cause a grave situation. Indonesia wanted to maintain her friendship with Aus-

tralia and there was no hostile feeling among the Indonesian people towards the Australians, he said. “Reactionaries” The Australian reactionary leaders were trying to poison the existing good re lationship between the two peoples by sending ships and planes to threaten Indonesia's territorial sovereignty, he added. His statement followed a report carried by the “Indonesian Herald” that an aircraft which flew over Sura baya naval base in East Java last Monday took off front Australian soil.