THE European Union's outgoing ambassador has soundly criticised Malaysia,
describing it as a virtual one-party state that discriminates against
minorities and foreign investors by openly favouring the majority Malay
Muslims.
De facto Law Minister Nazri Aziz dismissed the accusations by ambassador
Thierry Rommel, who left his post on Tuesday after 4-1/2 years, saying his
opinion was 'uninformed and ignorant'.
In an interview with foreign media, Mr Rommel said 'Non-Muslims feel
increasingly marginalised and (feel) their constitutional rights (are)
jeopardised.'
Mr Rommel was especially critical of the New Economic Policy (NEP),
introduced after racial clashes in 1969, which provides privileges to
Malays
in jobs, education and business.
'This is definitely a policy that is discriminatory, that is protectionist
and which hinders fair competition and a level playing field,' he said.
Malaysia's refusal to review its policies is jeopardising a proposed
free-trade pact between South-east Asia and Europe, he said.
Critics feel that Umno will never dismantle the NEP as it would lose its
power base.
'The country is not run by three political parties, it is run by one party
-
Umno,' said Mr Rommel.
His comments were unusually blunt for a diplomat, but he is not new to
controversy.
He created a storm in June when he likened the NEP to a trade barrier.
Datuk Seri Nazri defended the NEP, saying it has helped Malays rise from
poverty.
Mr Rommel also said Malaysia was living under 'an effective state of
emergency' after police used tear gas to break up an anti-government rally
on Saturday.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak dismissed the criticisms.
'An envoy cannot interfere in the domestic affairs of the country he has
been assigned to and cannot express personal opinions,' said Datuk Seri
Najib.
ASSOCIATED PRESS, BLOOMBERG, REUTERS, BERNAMA
----------------------------------------------------------------
This e-mail has been sent via JARING webmail at http://www.jaring.my
No comments:
Post a Comment