M'SIA-INDONESIA RELATIONS CORDIAL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TOLD

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Senator A. Kohilan
Pillay said Monday relations between Malaysia and Indonesia remained cordial
despite the attempts by a small group of people in Indonesia to undermine the
ties through provocation in the media.



He said the relations at the highest level, between Malaysian Prime Minister
Najib Tun Razak and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
were at the best.


"They often consult each other over the telephone to discuss directly
any matter or problem which requires immediate attention," he said when replying
to a question from Mohamad Aziz, a MP who had wanted to know the
extent of cordiality in the bilateral relations.


Kohilan Pillay said the relations were consolidated through several
mechanisms, such as the annual consultations between the two top leaders, the
joint commission meetings and through the cooperation of the Eminent Persons
Group (EPG).


At the level of the people, he said, there were almost 15,000 students from
Indonesia in various institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and 6,000
Malaysian students in Indonesia.



"It is hoped that the Indonesian students will become friends of Malaysia
and the Malaysian students will serve as our 'ambassadors' in strengthening
bilateral relations," he said.


He also said that the foreign ministry used the diplomatic channel to
resolve sensitive issues which cropped up between the two countries.


The ministry had also taken several immediate initiatives in overcoming
sensitive issues, such as issuing statements to the local and international
media, he said.


-- BERNAMA