PRESS RELEASE

MCA International Communication & Diplomacy Bureau Deputy Chairman, NEOW CHOO SEONG

 

28 MARCH 2023

 

 

“Stop sabotaging national interests for political expedience - MCA”

 

This press release is in response to Bersatu Youth Chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who questioned the success of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent official visit to Saudi Arabia. YB Wan Ahmad Fayhsal deemed the official visit a failure because Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim did not meet the Saudi monarch King Salman Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed Salman Abdul Aziz Al-Saud during the visit. This statement shows the ignorance of YB Wan Ahmad Fayhsal and he did not understand the basics of diplomacy in the context of international relations.

 

As a former diplomat who has served with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 13 years, I consider the opposition’s accusations to be political in nature and it is an attempt to undermine the government’s credibility without solid reasoning. This is a very irresponsible and unpatriotic act.

 

Clearly, the Prime Minister’ official visit to Saudi Arabia was upon the invitation of the government of Saudi Arabia. In addition, the Prime Minister was accorded full guest status and courtesies by the Saudi Arabian government throughout the visit.

 

Moreover, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Dr. Zamry Abdul Kadir had also previously made a working visit to Saudi Arabia. Hence, there is no doubt that every detail has been carefully planned ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival in Saudi Arabia.

 

As the opposition, Perikatan Nasional has a right to criticise and comment on the government based on the principles of check and balance under the democratic system. However, every piece of statement or criticism should be professional and objective. The opposition should not be releasing misleading or factually wrong statements  to influence the Rakyat’s perception, or play up issues that can jeopardise the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and other nations.

 

YB Wan Ahmad Fayhsal has served in the previous federal government, and surely many among the opposition are also familiar with the protocol aspect and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when our leaders make official visits abroad. Moreover, similar incidents also happened previously: when the 8th Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 2021, and when the 9th Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to the United Arab Emirates on March 2022.

 

If YB Wan Ahmad Fayhsal is still not convinced, I urge him to refer to former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (MP of Pagoh) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah (MP of Indera Mahkota) in the opposition bloc. I am sure they are wiser in diplomacy and understand the real situation.

 

Ultimately, we should not be constantly looking backwards and trying to find fault in our opponents. While the people and the nation suffer from challenges and the uncertainties of the global economy, it would be better if all quarters pay more attention to issues relating to governance and improving the economy.

 

-MCA online-