BEST TO LET LEADERS RESOLVE ISSUES - MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Information Communication and Culture
Minister Dr Rais Yatim said Wednesday that it was best that the issues raised
by Indonesia, such as the alleged "theft" of the Balinese Pendet dance, be left
to the leaders of both countries to be resolved.

"We leave the matter to the top leaders of both countries (to resolve) and
then we follow up," he told a news conference after meeting an Indonesian
Eminent Persons Group (EPG) delegation led by Gen (Rtd) Try Sutrisno.

Dr Rais said such incidents would crop up from time to time.

"The only thing is that in Malaysia we do not translate it into what is
happening in Jakarta now. As Pak Try (Sutrisno) says, these are small groups.

"However, it looks like they have a negative perception of certain issues
and translate them into physical action ... that is what we do not want," he
said.

Dr Rais said the ministry would continue with its programmes to forge closer
relations between the people of both countries, adding that several programmes
had been drawn up and would be implemented soon.

One of them was a programme for journalists of both countries and another
was a cultural exchange programme, he said.

Meanwhile, Try Sutrisno said Indonesia was committed to maintaining cordial
relations with Malaysia for mutual benefit.

In this connection, he said, it was hoped that the mass media of both
countries could cooperate to explain issues for the people of both countries to
understand.

Try Sutrisno also gave the assurance that the Indonesian authorities had
adopted the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Malaysian students in
the republic.

-- BERNAMA