Bernama (13/11/2007): A number of backbenchers today urged the Foreign Ministry to be more proactive in countering negative foreign media reports on Malaysia.
They felt that Wisma Putra officers should not bow to outside pressure, but should always explain the government's policies to the foreigners and Malaysian students abroad.
Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said although Malaysia was a small country, it was well known as a critic over universal issues.
While debating on the Supply Bill 2008 in the Dewan Rakyat here today, he also questioned Wisma Putra's action with regard to a neighbouring country's media that frequently rubbished Malaysia although the country's leaders spoke of the good relations between both countries.
"We want our Foreign Ministry to make a firm stand by explaining that the good bilateral relations should not be compromised.
Datuk Mahadzir Mohd Khir (BN-Sungai Petani) who joined the debate, questioned the effectiveness of the ministry in explaining issues to Malaysian students abroad.
"Has the ministry provided a website to disseminate information on the issues and arising situations in the country?" he asked.
Datuk Dr Rahman Ismail (BN-Gombak) questioned the extent of the role and efforts by Malaysia's envoys and representatives overseas in enhancing the country's image and in organising programmes to attract more investors and promoting Malaysia, for instance, in becoming a halal hub.
Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), on the other hand, questioned Malaysia's preparedness in presenting its claims over Batu Putih at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He said this was because Singapore appeared to be more prepared in presenting its case before the court while its delegation comprised individuals with very wide legal experience.
"As a Malaysian, I hope the decision will favour us... but are we satisfied with the experts who are representing our country?"
Malaysia's delegation to the ICJ is led by Ambassador at Large Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.
The lawyers defending Malaysia's stand over its claims are Prof Elihu Lauterpacht, Prof James Crawford, Prof Nicolas Jan Schrijver, Prof Marcelo G.Kohen and Penelope Nevil.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the government provided an annual assistance of RM180,000 to the Palestine embassy here to run its operations, besides RM700 monthly for its utility bills.
"We will also be giving a new Perdana V6 car to the new Palestinian ambassador at the end of this month," he added.
They felt that Wisma Putra officers should not bow to outside pressure, but should always explain the government's policies to the foreigners and Malaysian students abroad.
Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said although Malaysia was a small country, it was well known as a critic over universal issues.
While debating on the Supply Bill 2008 in the Dewan Rakyat here today, he also questioned Wisma Putra's action with regard to a neighbouring country's media that frequently rubbished Malaysia although the country's leaders spoke of the good relations between both countries.
"We want our Foreign Ministry to make a firm stand by explaining that the good bilateral relations should not be compromised.
Datuk Mahadzir Mohd Khir (BN-Sungai Petani) who joined the debate, questioned the effectiveness of the ministry in explaining issues to Malaysian students abroad.
"Has the ministry provided a website to disseminate information on the issues and arising situations in the country?" he asked.
Datuk Dr Rahman Ismail (BN-Gombak) questioned the extent of the role and efforts by Malaysia's envoys and representatives overseas in enhancing the country's image and in organising programmes to attract more investors and promoting Malaysia, for instance, in becoming a halal hub.
Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), on the other hand, questioned Malaysia's preparedness in presenting its claims over Batu Putih at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He said this was because Singapore appeared to be more prepared in presenting its case before the court while its delegation comprised individuals with very wide legal experience.
"As a Malaysian, I hope the decision will favour us... but are we satisfied with the experts who are representing our country?"
Malaysia's delegation to the ICJ is led by Ambassador at Large Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.
The lawyers defending Malaysia's stand over its claims are Prof Elihu Lauterpacht, Prof James Crawford, Prof Nicolas Jan Schrijver, Prof Marcelo G.Kohen and Penelope Nevil.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the government provided an annual assistance of RM180,000 to the Palestine embassy here to run its operations, besides RM700 monthly for its utility bills.
"We will also be giving a new Perdana V6 car to the new Palestinian ambassador at the end of this month," he added.
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