http://dapmalaysia.org
|
Thaksin’s sensational allegation that Malaysia is haven of South Thailand Muslim separatists and terrorists unbecoming of Thai Prime Minister, most irresponsible and un-ASEAN
Media Statement by Lim Kit Siang (Petaling Jaya, Sunday): The sensational allegation by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra that Malaysia is a haven of South Thailand Muslim separatists and terrorists is unbecoming of a Thai Prime Minister, most irresponsible and un-ASEAN. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is right in expressing regret and shock at Thaksin’s outburst and to demand that his Thai counterpart produce proof to substantiate his allegation. If Thaksin cannot publicly substantiate his allegation, he should withdraw his slur against Malaysia and apologise for his indiscretion. There are probably two explanations for Thaksin’s most uncharacteristic conduct for a Thai Prime Minister, making light of the bonds that have developed between the two governments in the past decades:
It will be a major diplomatic faux pax if it is the former and an act of gross folly if the latter. Thaksin should learn that in the modern era, human rights is universal and indivisible, and national sovereignty does not extend to the sovereign right to violate human rights. ASEAN governments and leaders must learn to accept scrutiny of their human rights record, not only by the international community but also by neighbouring ASEAN countries. I for one would welcome Thai interest and concern at human rights violations in Malaysia, and I would be very happy to see the formation of a Thai parliamentary caucus on human rights in Malaysia, as the time has come for ASEAN governments and parliamentarians to accept that we have a common interest to work towards a new benchmark for ASEAN human rights as one of the prerequisites to the realization of the ASEAN Community, the subject of so many statements and declarations by ASEAN Summits and Ministerial meetings. |