Diplomacy 101 -- FM needs a tutorial!

After reading through the Bernama report, I think the Malaysian Foreign Minister had created a DIPLOMATIC AFFE, and needs to be tutored on what a foreign mission in a ost coun tr can function wthin the bounds of internationally accepted standards.

Clearly thereha been no groundsto believe the three Singporean diplomats to be faulted for dong what generally in diplomatc circle is "information gatring" -- either in goind to the ground(TURUN PADANG?) or meeting up with CONTACTS, especially those with above average information like mass media mmbers (Desi included) and corporate leaders.

Maybe Anifah should be called in by Wisma Putra to be lectured on DIPLOMACY 101?

Can Desi also offer his expertise @20million an hour? Rupiahs oso cun-lah! -- YL, Desi, knottyaSsusual

 

Putrajaya summons Singapore envoy over diplomats at Bersih rally

June 22, 2012

Anifah said there was no need for diplomats to personally attend protests. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — Singapore High Commissioner Ong Keng Yong was summoned to Wisma Putra today, over the involvement of three diplomats from the commission in the illegal Bersih 3.0 gathering on April 28.
In a statement here, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said he had called Ong to his office this evening, to convey the displeasure of the Malaysian government over the trio’s participation in the gathering.
He said the ministry had received reports from the Malaysian authorities on the participation of the three diplomats in the illegal rally.
“As foreign minister, I regard this matter with utmost seriousness,” he said.
In the meeting with Ong, Anifah said he explained the position of the Malaysian government that the direct participation of diplomats in the rally was an inappropriate move.
In his meeting with the heads of Asean Diplomatic missions on June 11, he said he had raised the issue of the involvement of foreign diplomats during the Bersih 3.0 gathering, in that it might lead to negative perception to the existing good relations between Malaysia and the respective countries.
Anifah said he also stressed to Ong that the ministry would not hesitate to take stronger diplomatic action against errant diplomats.
He said the ministry understood all diplomatic missions in Malaysia had the responsibility to monitor developments in this country and report to their respective governments.
Nevertheless, he said, diplomats must also be mindful of the sensitivities of the host country.
“I also believe diplomats need not be directly involved in illegal gatherings,” he added. — Bernama