INDONESIA, MALAYSIA URGED TO IRON OUT ISSUES AFFECTING BILATERAL TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- An Indonesian Opposition Member of Parliament
has called on Malaysia and the republic to iron out perennial issues that could
affect bilateral ties.

Rieke Diah Pitaloka of Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan said the
anti-Malaysia protests in Jakarta should prompt Indonesia to be more serious in
resolving internal and external problems, including on migrant workers from the
republic.

She described the protests as an expression of frustration of the people of
Indonesia towards Malaysia.

"I reject violence in whatever form. But when we talk about human rights,
national leaders must be firm in protecting the interest of the people," she
told reporters after visiting opposition PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) MPs at
parliament house here Wednesday.

Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa said the meeting between PAS
and Indonesian opposition MPs was part of efforts to maintain cordial relations
between the opposition of both countries.

"We have agreed on matters involving violation of law either in Malaysia and
Indonesia. The law of both countries must be respected," he said.

An Indonesian non-governmental organisation, Migrant Care was also in the
Indonesian opposition MPs delegation. PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub was
present.
-- BERNAMA