Malaysia Tells Its Neighbors Not to Meddle
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia is lashing out at neighboring Asian countries for sympathizing with dissident leader Anwar Ibrahim, whose detention sparked yet another protest Saturday.
“We should not interfere in the internal political affairs of other countries, especially the friendly nations,” Tourism Minister Sabaruddin Chik said Saturday in the latest such criticism.
His comments came a day after Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi blasted Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines for showing solidarity with the ousted deputy prime minister, who was arrested as he mounted a political challenge to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s 17-year rule.
Even as Sabaruddin spoke, thousands of demonstrators defied authorities again Saturday and rallied in downtown Kuala Lumpur to support the jailed reformer politician and to demand the prime minister’s resignation.
Shouting “Reforms! Reforms!” the protesters marched to Independence Square. Passing drivers honked in support, and people in the crowd cheered back, raising their fists.
After repeated requests by the police, the crowd dispersed.
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