PUTRAJAYA, March 15- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has rejected a suggestion that Malaysia and the Philippines hold a dialogue to discuss and explain the situation in Lahad Datu, Sabah. He said that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman had explained in detail on the intrusion into Sabah by Sulu terrorists to all diplomats including the Phillipine Foreign Minister recently.
He said that such issues should be handled by Wisma Putra through the diplomatic channel.
“I don’t think that we should hold such a dialogue. We tackle such issues through the diplomatic channel.
“We have our minister who has held discussions with the Philippine foreign minister, foreign secretary on the matter,” he told reporters after announcing the recipient of the 12th National Literary Award, here today. He said that foreign governments could contact Wisma Putra to obtain detailed information on the situation and latest developments in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
With regard to other issues, Muhyiddin said the controversial film “Tanda Putera”, directed by Datin Paduka Suhaimi Baba, was still being banned from public screening at the theatres, but it could only be screened for viewing by certain parties if necessary.
“It will not be screened to the public but only to certain groups. This was decided by the responsible party. The film describes the role played by former prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and his deputy, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman in rehabilitating the country after the racial riots of May 13, 1969.
BERNAMA
