STRIVE FOR CORDIAL RELATIONS CALL TO PEOPLE OF MALAYSIA, INDONESIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Information Communication and Culture
Minister Dr Rais Yatim on Tuesday night called on the people of Malaysia and
Indonesia to constantly strive for and be far-sighted in ensuring cordial
relations between the two countries.

He said it was important for both countries to exercise tolerance in facing
any problem.

Dr Rais was commenting on the opposition by a group of Indonesians on the
use of the Pendet dance of Bali island in a Malaysian tourism promotion video
clip broadcast by Discovery Channel.

He spoke to reporters after attending a breaking of the fast of the ministry
with 36 orphans of the Rumah Kasih Harmoni in Paya Jaras, Selangor, at the
Angkasapuri Mosque, here.

Also present were Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister
Joseph Salang Gandum, ministry secretary-general Kamaruddin Siaraf
and Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Da'i Bachtiar.


Dr Rais warned local arts activists to be careful and not use copyrighted
material of neighbouring countries as their own.

"For example, Hindi songs belong to India but all our youngsters sing these
songs. However, they do not claim any right to these songs," he said, adding the
same was true in the case of Indonesia.

"However, we should not turn this into a political issue and something which
can destroy the cordial relations between Malaysia and Indonesia," he said.

Dr Rais said he was convinced that the people of both countries harboured
the love to continue to live peacefully.

"One dance, for example, which was broadcast over television abroad does not
mean that we should burn flags and hurl stones.


"If this were to continue, western civilisation will see us in the east as
having a way of life not founded on substantive elements which allow us to
engage in discussions," he said.

He said the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of Asean, which in Malaysia was
chaired by Musa Hitam and in Indonesia by Gen (Rtd) Try Sutrisno,
would have to play a role in overcoming this problem.

Da'i Bachtiar agreed with this suggestion of Dr Rais.

-- BERNAMA