Malaysian Group's Peace Talks Wish

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30827, 12 August 1965, Page 13

Malaysian Group's Peace Talks Wish

(N.Z.P.A.- Reuter —Copyright) KUALA LUMPUR, August 11. A Malaysian nationalist organisation today called for immediate peace talks with Indonesia. The organisation also blamed Western interference for the break between Malaysia and Singapore.

It is the political committee of the presidium of the AfroAsian solidarity organisation, headed by Dr. Muhathir Bin Muhammad. Dr. Muhathir is a prominent figure in the governing United Malays’ national organisation, a leading government backbencher in the Federal Parliament, and one of the strongest opponents of Mr Lee Kuan Yew in the battle that led to the split. A statement issued by the committee today said it “strongly deplores the persistent Western interference which has led to the separation of Singapore from the Federation of Malaysia, and urges that this country be more vigilant against further machinations by interested Powers in exploiting the situation.” Reduce Tension The committee also “strongly urges the Malaysian Government to take the initiative to work positively towards an honourable settlement of our dispute with In-

donesia, thereby reducing tension in South-east Asia.” Indonesia should respond “to the overwhelming desire for peace of both our peoples,” by ceasing confrontation. j Secretary Resigns h At the same time Malaysia 1 should review its foreign • policy, “particularly on ques- ' tions relating to foreign bases ’ and the establishment of dip- • lomatic relations with progres- ■ sive countries.” The committee said it welcomed moves by Parliamen- • tarians toward pressing a non-aligned policy on the Gov- ' ernment.

The statement also announced the resignation as secretary-general of the committee of Inche Abdullah Ahmed, political secretary to the deputy Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. A spokesman for the organisation said this was to make it clear that the views expressed were not necessarily those of the government, which has in the past looked favourably on the organisation. Envoys Exchanged Malaysia moved yesterday to solidify ties with Singapore after the split.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry announced it had named an Ambassador to Singapore “to promote good will and understanding in the relations of both countries.” Singapore replied by appointing an Acting Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur. Sabah Steady In Kuala Lumpur, the Chief Minister of Sabah, Mr Peter Lo, today pledged continued loyalty to Malaysia following the break with Singapore. He told reporters he wanted to prevent rumours that might have broken out that Sabah and Sarawak might follow Singapore’s lead.