MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MISSIONS MONITOR MEDIA REPORTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The Foreign Ministry monitors foreign
media reports to thwart baseless allegations, the House of Representatives was
told Thursday.

Deputy Foreign Minister A.Kohilan Pillay said Malaysian foreign missions
cultivated friendship with local media in efforts to promote the national agenda
and ward off negative perception of the country and its leaders.

"The efforts are further enhanced through public relations campaigns,
dissemination of information and diplomacy," he said when replying to a question
from Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osmana, a member of Parliament (MP).

Kohilan said if there were unfavourable reports about Malaysia in local
newspapers, the foreign missions would clarify the issues, furnish relevant
articles or reply through the letters to the editor column.

He said Malaysian foreign missions also responded to unfavourable reports
over cable and local television or radio bulletins.

"If the situation warranted, protest notes will be sent through the
diplomatic channel to censure the media concerned for tarnishing the image of
the country," he added.

-- BERNAMA