European Parliament's resolution unfortunate, says Foreign Affairs Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The European Parliament’s resolution on various human rights issues in Malaysia is “unfortunate” as it “acted hastily” in issuing it said the Foreign Affairs Ministry.  

According to the Ministry, this was not the first time that the EU had raised these concerns as the subject had been previously discussed during high level interactions between Malaysian and the EU leaders either during official visits or at the sidelines of international forums. 

“The Government of Malaysia strongly believes that full respect must be provided to any sovereign country to decide on its internal affairs. 

“In line with this, it is indispensable to all countries, including Malaysia, to be given the required space to ensure the continued peace, security and stability of the country,” said the Ministry in a statement released on Sunday. 

On Thursday, the European Parliament had passed a resolution on various human rights issues in Malaysia including calling for the withdrawal of the National Security Council (NSC) Bill and also for the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948.

The Ministry said that the Government had taken an open attitude towards its interactions within the EU because it believes that mutual concerns can only be addressed through dialogue. 

“On the basis of its consultations with the various Malaysian agencies, the Foreign Ministry has been in regular communication with the EU through our Embassy in Brussels and also through the EU Representation in Kuala Lumpur,” said the Ministry. 

“The same logic also underpins the reason why the Malaysian government forged ahead to conclude a long-stalled Malaysia-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (MEUPCA) that was recently concluded in Brussels on 8 December 2015,” said the Ministry.

“We therefore view it as unfortunate that the European Parliament has acted hastily and chosen monologue by issuing this resolution.”

The Ministry also stressed that the Government remains committed in its role to uphold the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right of freedom of assembly, as stated in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

It added that Malaysia’s historical experience as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society meant that equal emphasis must be placed on the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly as well as on the duties and responsibilities attached to the exercise of such rights.

“Nevertheless we will seek to engage the EU at the next available opportunity.”

The resolution passed by the European Parliament also noted a number of other issues in Malaysia such as the rise of supremacy groups leading to ethnic tensions, persecution against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, restrictions on the freedom of press and investigations into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).