By MERGAWATI ZULFAKAR
PETALING JAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman left for Jakarta yesterday as the situation in the Indonesian capital improved after armed thugs, angry over allegations that Malaysia copied a Balinese dance in a Discovery Channel production, had threatened action against Malaysian citizens.
Anifah said the Malaysian Government was satisfied with the actions taken by Indonesian authorities so far in ensuring the safety of Malaysians living and travelling in the republic.
“They have already assured us and we are fully satisfied with what the authorities have done,” he told The Star.
Asked whether his trip was discussed in yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Anifah said it was not raised.
“However, the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) told me to send his best regards to the president (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) and to congratulate him on his victory in the recent presidential election.
“The prime minister also sends his Hari Raya greetings to the president and is looking forward to their annual consultations in Malaysia next month,” Anifah said.
Anifah had been sent by Najib following reports of a group of activists armed with sharpened bamboo sticks “sweeping” along a road in Jakarta last week in search of Malaysians. Local media reports have also fanned Indonesian anger over allegations that Malaysia had “stolen” the dance.
The foreign minister is scheduled to meet his Indonesian counterpart Hassan Wirajuda before paying a courtesy call on the president today.
“This is a working visit. When I meet my counterpart, we will update each other on many issues including the upcoming United Nations general assembly,” he said.
Malaysian diplomats in Jakarta confirmed that the situation has improved, and demonstrations have stopped outside the embassy area since the local authorities started taking action.
So far six people have been arrested over the “sweeping” incident. - The Star
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