MALAYSIA-INDONESIA PEOPLE RELATIONS NEEDS UPGRADING: ABDULLAH

By Mohd Nasir Yusoff

JAKARTA, March 17 Bernama) -- Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Tuesday
that although cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia has reached a
commendable and comfortable level, it must be remembered that the resilience of
the relationship depends on continuous improvement and strengthening.

This could be done not only at the government-to-government level but also
in the interaction between the peoples of the two two countries, the pisme
minister said.

"There must be an increase in programmes for the good of this target group,
especially the youth who will inherit the leadership in the future," he said
after the sixth annual consultation with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono.

The four-eye meeting between the two leaders at the Presidential Palace was
followed by a delegation meeting.

Present were Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, Information Minister
Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Sarawak Chief Minsiter Abdul Taib Mahmud,
Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, Plantation Industry and Commodities
Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui, Human Resources Dr S. Subramaniam,
Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Abdul Aziz Zainal and
Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan.

Earlier, President Susilo said said he was thankful that bilateral ties
between Indonesia and Malaysia were at their best level and there were no
problems.

Later, at the same venue, Abdullah said the report of the Eminent Persons
Group (EPG), which was completed after four meetings and submitted to him and
Susilo Tuesday, would help the two countries achieve the meaning of fostering
relations at various levels.

He said the relevant parties in the two countries must scrutinise the report
and implement the plans and recommendations according to the set timeframe to
make it a reality.

He was happy to note that the handing over of the EPG report was followed up
immediatly with a two-day seminar starting Tuesday on the history the peoples of
the two countries who share the same cultural roots.

"I believe that the historians can provide a better understanding and an
accurate picture of all the historical events on the relations between Malaysia
and Indonesia.

"Such understanding can serve as a lesson in future to avoid any
unpleasantness and thus further enhance relations between the two countries," he
said.

-- BERNAMA