Malaysia welcomes Indonesian president's apology on haze - 25Jun2013 скачать в хорошем качестве

Malaysia welcomes Indonesian president's apology on haze - 25Jun2013

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia has welcomed an apology by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for forest fires that caused thick haze to envelop the country. Members of Parliament have also said they want Jakarta to find a solution quickly. Malaysia recorded a 100 per cent increase in haze-related illnesses, such as asthma, while thousands of schools remain closed in the worst-hit areas. For the first time in Malaysia's history, the opening of the Parliament was held indoors because of the worsening haze situation. King Tuanku Abdul Halim Muaadzam Shah inspected the Guard of Honour at the banquet hall instead of the open square. Nevertheless, it was a ceremony steeped in royal traditions. Prime Minister Najib Razak, Members of Parliament and foreign dignitaries were in all good spirits. The king, in his opening remarks, did not mention the emergency in the country's worst-hit haze areas. But lawmakers from both sides of political divide filed emergency motions to debate the situation. They welcomed an apology by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, although some were taken by surprise. Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said: "I don't think it's necessary for him to apologise. I think what is necessary is for us to take whatever affirmative action is needed but, nevertheless, I salute him for doing so." Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said: "It's a start, a beginning, but more importantly is how all of us together can come down to getting this haze out of the way, you know, because it is difficult, difficult for us in Malaysia." Mr Anwar Ibrahim, Opposition Parliamentary Chief, said: ''I think apology is one, but I think it is proper for the Indonesian authorities to at least explain what are the measures to be taken so that this problem does not recur.'' While MPs and ministers want Jakarta to do more to tackle the haze disaster, the reigning king had a different message for lawmakers. He urged them to accept and respect the outcome of the 13th General Election and to work together in transforming Malaysia into a developed, high-income nation. But opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim wants fresh elections in at least 20 parliamentary seats which Pakatan Rakyat lost in the May 5 elections. Mr Anwar said: "The consensus in Pakatan Rakyat is that whilst we have to move on, so that it does not really frustrate the whole process in terms of development and peoples' welfare, but we must not be seen to be condoning endemic corruption or massive fraud. You must draw the line.'' With both sides' MPs almost of equal in strength, the 13th parliament is promised to be an intense and lively affair. While the opposition say they are not planning any more street rallies in the near future, they will continue to challenge the election results as well as pushing for electoral reforms in courts and in parliament. www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-welcomes/723992.html