New Delhi, Nov 12 – Malaysia would continue to use institutions like Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to promote dialogue in efforts to resolves issues effecting certain countries, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
“We need to look (into the matter) objectively. It does not mean that by not going there, it will improve the situation,” he said.
Anifah said this when asked if Malaysia might skip the 23rd CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka this weekend, amid calls for member countries to boycott the event in protest over human rights issues in the island nation.
On Sunday, India announced that its prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, would not attend the Nov 15-17 meeting. He is the second leader to do so after Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“We will see how best, if there is anything that we can do through this dialogue, to be fair and ensure no ethnic group is victimised or marginalised,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting which ends here Tuesday.
Anifah said it was best to continue engaging such issues through platforms such as CHOGM.
“Nevertheless, Malaysia will hold on to the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of any country, unless they ask for opinions and assistance, and we will then do what is the best for the country and the people,” he said.
Anifah will leave New Delhi for Colombo this evening.
– Bernama
