Do not let extreme sentiments jeopardise Malaysia-Indonesia relations — DPM

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BOLSTERING TIES: Muhyiddin with Centre for Strategic and International Studies Indonesia executive director Dr Rizal Sukma (right) and Institute of Strategic and International Studies chief executive Datuk Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin at the colloquium. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stressed that Malaysia and Indonesia should not let extreme sentiments jeopardise bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said the relationship should be viewed in a wider context, as there were many collaborative areas that both could capitalise on, for their mutual benefit.

He said the synergy that had existed between them for more than 55 years should be fully utilised to raise such collaborations to a higher level.

“Malaysia had often been used as a punching bag by certain parties, especially to fan sensational issues published in the mass media, without first substantiating the facts.

“These issues are exploited by such parties to undermine the good relations between the two countries,” he said at the 5th Malaysia-Indonesia Bilateral Colloquium here yesterday.

He said the action by irresponsible parties from both countries had somewhat cultivated a negative perception of the relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.

In this regard, he said the two governments were determined to tackle and overcome the challenges, apart from strengthening the alliance and good relations between the countries.

“The prevailing challenges such as maritime and land border restrictions are complex issues which take time to resolve.

“Nevertheless, efforts to this end are being pursued, which show that Malaysia and Indonesia can conciliatingly negotiate to find a collective solution.

“Unfortunately, these and other issues such as labour, are being endlessly exploited by certain quarters for their own interest,” he said.

He noted that besides geographical location, similarities in cultural heritage and familial ties, Malaysia and Indonesia also had strategic  associations and partnership that could be promoted for mutual interest.

Hence, he said, everyone, including governments, political parties, academicians, private sector, non-governmental organisations and society, as well as the mass media, should play their respective roles to further strengthen the bond.

“Basically, the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia cannot be broken. Indeed, this bond is getting stronger and at an encouraging level.

“Various factors have shown that both countries are actually dependent on one another. We are thankful that cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia is progressively active,” added Muhyiddin.

He said commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations was clearly reflected in initiatives taken by the two countries’ top leaders, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

According to him, both countries also possessed various mechanisms and platforms at government level to expand and enhance their collaborative scopes.

“These mechanisms encompass annual round-table talks among leaders, committees and working groups at ministerial level and senior officers of both countries.

“Malaysia hopes both countries will make full use of all bilateral mechanisms, as well as other channels, to tackle the relevant issues, constructively and comprehensively, and draw up more integrated collaborations.

“Both countries must look at the role they could play in championing global peace and justice. In the eyes of the world, Malaysia and Indonesia are often regarded as models of progressive developing nations,”he said. — Bernama