PHILIPPINES DOING ITS BEST IN SECURING RELEASE OF KIDNAP VICTIMS: M'SIAN FM

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The Philippines
government has given an assurance that it will do its best in securing the
release of two Malaysians who were abducted and held captive by Filipino gunmen
in southern Philippines, said Foreign Minister Anifah Aman.

Anifah said it was among the things discussed during his meeting with
Philippines president Benigno S Aquino III in Manila on Tuesday, and that he
would continue communicating with the Philippines foreign ministry on the
progress.

Seaweed farm manager Tsen Vui Chung, 42, and his cousin and farm supervisor
Lai Wing Chau, 33, were kidnapped from Sebangkit Island, Semporna, Sabah on Feb
7, and the families of the victims claimed that a RM2 million (US$645 million)
ransom was demanded.

"We've discussed about the kidnappings, and he (Aquino) says that the
Philippines government will do everything possible to secure the release of
these two kidnap victims.

"But like they said, they have to handle this matter very,very carefully
because we do not want to endanger the lives of these two victims," he told
reporters after attending a luncheon with some 30 ambassadors and high
commissioners at a resort in Gaya Island near here.

The envoys had come here to attend the Malaysia Day celebration held
Thursday.

On another note, Anifah who returned Thursday from a five-day visit to
the Philippines, said Kuala Lumpur-Manila ties were moving in the right
direction under the leadership of the new Phillipines president.

"This was very evident in my meetings with both the foreign minister
(Alberto G. Romulo) and the president.

"Aquino's eagerness to meet Najib Razak in New York (at the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) next week) is another good sign, we are arranging for
both leaders to have a bilateral (meeting) there," he said, adding
that Aquino was expected to continue discussions on Malaysia's role as mediator
and facilitator for peace negotiation between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the Philippines government.

Anifah also said that he had reiterated the need to open a Philippines
consulate office in Sabah to facilitate processing of Filipino workers here.

He said Aquino told him that this would be discussed in relation with the
republic's claim on Sabah.

He (Anifah) said such discussions were long overdue but stressed that the
willingness of both parties to discuss the matter was an encouraging
development.

"The president was receptive. He believes we should settle outstanding
issues as soon as possible so that Malaysia-Philippines ties can be further
strengthened.

"He is willing to put that in the agenda and it is something that maybe they
want to discuss with Najib in New York, but for him to respond positively on
these issues, and for his willingness to dicuss, I think it's a good message,"
said Anifah.

Anifah added that Najib was also expected to have bilateral meetings with
several presidents and prime ministers on the sidelines of the UNGA meeting.

He said Najib was expected to highlight Malaysia's New Economic Model as the
country is seen as a progressive and liberal Muslim country, as well as the
1Malaysia concept, and raise current issues on religion.

Meanwhile, asked about the situation in Indonesia, Anifah said no more
anti-Malaysian demonstrations were held since Tuesday last week, and that the
Indonesian government was preventing future untoward incidents.

"We must understand in Indonesia demonstrations are allowed, but peaceful
demonstrations.

"We also discussed about creating a buffer zone (at Malaysia's embassy in
Jakarta) so these people (protestors) will not be able to physically come into
or climb the embassy's perimeter fence or security guard houses. But so far
according to the reports I have received the situation has calmed down, so I
don't think these measures will be necessary just yet," he said.
-- BERNAMA


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