REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - One of 13 states in Malaysia, Selangor government regrets the recent editorial published in Utusan Malaysia insulting former Indonesian president BJ Habibie. 

"Such statements can hurt the strong bilateral ties that Malaysia enjoys with Indonesia and its people. We would like to clarify that Zainudin's remarks do not represent that of Malaysians," said Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, in a written statement on December 13.

He urged the Malay daily and Zainudin to apologize to Habibie and the Indonesian people before the issue gets worse. "The remarks written by columnist Zainudin Mydin were crude and shows the writer's immaturity and disrespect to a leader who has contributed so much to his country and the region not only in politics but also as a renowned aeronautical engineer." he said.

The Selangor minister added that Malaysia and Indonesia have many common characteristic traits including history, culture and religion which should be shared and celebrated by the people of both countries.

“That is one of the reasons why Selangor invited him to give share share his thoughts and experiences in implementing reforms and improving democratization,” he said.

Habibie was in Selangor for a two-day visit as an official guest of the state government last week. During the visit, he gave talks to state government officials and students of Selangor state-owned university Unisel.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika