Cordial Malaysia-Indonesia Ties Should Consider New Elements

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The cordial relations between Malaysia and Indonesia that has existed for so long should be further strengthened by taking into consideration new elements in line with the new structure in Indonesia under the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.The Prime Minister said the new elements comprised the media, members of parliament and various other groups who also contributed directly or indirectly to the bilateral diplomatic relations."I suggest that we not only continue to maintain the traditional ties namely the government-to-government ties, the relations between the Indonesian National Military (TNI) and the Malaysian Defence Forces (ATM), and police-to-police relations, but to look also at the new Indonesian structure so that there will be a sense of influence that must be nurtured," he said at the dinner in honour of Susilo's visit to Malaysia at his residence, Sri Satria, here Wednesday night.Najib said the close relationship with the media, if not developed carefully, could lead to the media making various assumptions that could result in undesired situations cropping up."The parliament is also important. Members of parliament cannot be taken for granted. We also need to nurture good relations between the two parliaments as well as the various parties," he said.The prime Minister said the close friendship between the two governments should filter down to the various sectors and groups in the two countries.Meanwhile, Susilo in his speech said the close proximity between Malaysia and Indonesia and the friendship that had been established for so long resulted in both countries being frequently exposed to contradicting opinions.He said such a scenario should not be allowed to jeopardise the existing relationship and should instead be treated with care and wisdom."I always say that Indonesia has never had any problems with Rwanda or Colombia because our positions are so far apart but with Malaysia we certainly have occasional differences but what encourages me is that we all realise that it is normal."What is important is that we both look at it intelligently and wisely so that everything can be handled smoothly," he said.Susilo said Malaysia and Indonesia were now undergoing a major change in the world including Asean's new emergence as an economic power.He said bilateral cooperation between the two countries played a major role and contributed significantly in improving the global economy particularly in the Asian region.Also present at the dinner were Susilo's wife, Ibu Ani Yudhoyono, the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.-- BERNAMA: Ramjit-->
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- The cordial relations between Malaysia and Indonesia that has existed for so long should be further strengthened by taking into consideration new elements in line with the new structure in Indonesia under the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.The Prime Minister said the new elements comprised the media, members of parliament and various other groups who also contributed directly or indirectly to the bilateral diplomatic relations."I suggest that we not only continue to maintain the traditional ties namely the government-to-government ties, the relations between the Indonesian National Military (TNI) and the Malaysian Defence Forces (ATM), and police-to-police relations, but to look also at the new Indonesian structure so that there will be a sense of influence that must be nurtured," he said at the dinner in honour of Susilo's visit to Malaysia at his residence, Sri Satria, here Wednesday night.Najib said the close relationship with the media, if not developed carefully, could lead to the media making various assumptions that could result in undesired situations cropping up."The parliament is also important. Members of parliament cannot be taken for granted. We also need to nurture good relations between the two parliaments as well as the various parties," he said.The prime Minister said the close friendship between the two governments should filter down to the various sectors and groups in the two countries.Meanwhile, Susilo in his speech said the close proximity between Malaysia and Indonesia and the friendship that had been established for so long resulted in both countries being frequently exposed to contradicting opinions.He said such a scenario should not be allowed to jeopardise the existing relationship and should instead be treated with care and wisdom."I always say that Indonesia has never had any problems with Rwanda or Colombia because our positions are so far apart but with Malaysia we certainly have occasional differences but what encourages me is that we all realise that it is normal."What is important is that we both look at it intelligently and wisely so that everything can be handled smoothly," he said.Susilo said Malaysia and Indonesia were now undergoing a major change in the world including Asean's new emergence as an economic power.He said bilateral cooperation between the two countries played a major role and contributed significantly in improving the global economy particularly in the Asian region.Also present at the dinner were Susilo's wife, Ibu Ani Yudhoyono, the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman.-- BERNAMA