Malaysia on Tuesday summoned Singapore's ambassador to hand over a protest over "unjustified" remarks made by officials of the city-state and revealed by WikiLeaks.
Confidential diplomatic notes given by the whistle-blower website to Australia's Fairfax media group contained unflattering Singaporean assessments of its Asian allies, among them its neighbour Malaysia.
They reportedly included senior officials saying Kuala Lumpur lacked competent leadership and as a result, "the situation in neighbouring Malaysia is confused and dangerous".
Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman summoned T. Jasudasen, Singapore's high commissioner, and handed him a protest note over the "unjustified comments" made by Singaporean diplomats, the ministry said in a statement.
"The foreign minister also conveyed Malaysia's deep concern and displeasure over the comments as revealed by WikiLeaks and subsequently reported in the media," it added.
Singapore Monday expressed confidence that the WikiLeaks revelations would not hurt its "robust" ties with Malaysia, Thailand, India and Japan, all of which were the subjects of scathing comments by its officials.
According to a reported cable dated September 2008, Singaporean diplomats have said there is a "distinct possibility of racial conflict" in Malaysia which would see ethnic Chinese "flee" the country and "overwhelm" Singapore.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was reportedly described as "an opportunist" who "would not hesitate" to be critical of Singapore if "it is expedient for him to do so".
Singapore leaders also believe Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had sex with a male aide in a honey trap set by his enemies, a charge which Anwar has vehemently denied.
Anwar's supporters Tuesday handed a letter to Singapore's mission denouncing the remarks.
Source : Sin Chew Jit Poh
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