DEMOS AT M`SIAN EMBASSY IN JAKARTA WORK OF MERCENARY GROUPS - NAJIB

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- The demonstrations held outside the
Malaysian embassy in Jakarta are the work of mercenary groups, said Prime
Minister Najib Tun Razak.

He said the demonstrators were hired by certain quarters to cause a rift in
ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.

"They want us to get angry so that if respond, ties with Indonesia will
become soured. We must not get trapped in their games," he told a press
conference after chairing a meeting of Umno's Supreme Council at the Putra World
Trade Centre (PWTC) here Friday.

On Thursday , some 600 demonstrators gathered in front of the embassy and
burned the Malaysian flag and spat on it while screaming "ganyang Malaysia" (go
to war with Malaysia).

They held the demonstration to protest alleged trespass by Malaysian
authorities into Indonesian waters.

Najib said he did not view their actions as reflecting the stand of
Indonesia's leadership as the two countries had very good relations.

"We are very comfortable with our relationship and and no one should try to
cause any rift between Indonesia and Malaysia. We deem this episode to be the
work of mercenary groups," he said.

He said Indonesia's ambassador to Malaysia Da'i Bachtiar had also
been called to ask the Indonesian authorities to tighten security around the
Malaysian embassy in Jakarta so that such incidents did not recur.


-- BERNAMA