Indonesia and Malaysia agree to overcome differences
By Channel NewsAsia's Malaysia Bureau Chief Melissa Goh | Posted: 13 November 2009 0004 hrs

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PUTRAJAYA: Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to overcome differences that have soured relations recently.

After a meeting on Thursday, visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stressed that both countries share common historical and cultural roots.

Dr Yudhoyono's visit to Malaysia comes at a time of strained bilateral ties - over the plight of Indonesian domestic workers in Malaysia, and other territorial and cultural disputes.

Speaking after a meeting, both leaders pledged to resolve prickly issues swiftly and amicably.

Cases of maid abuse in Malaysia had prompted Jakarta to temporarily ban Indonesians from seeking employment as domestic workers in Malaysia.

Mr Najib gave the assurance that the rights of foreign workers would be protected.

"We appreciate their presence here. We will continue to protect their interest. If there is any transgression of the law, they will be dealt with accordingly. That includes Malaysians who flout the law (and) abuse maids. They will face whatever consequences as per the law in Malaysia," said Mr Najib.

Thanking Malaysia for employing some one million Indonesian workers, Dr Yudhoyono called for them to be treated fairly.

"Even though I am satisfied with what has been achieved so far, including what Malaysia has done, we should not take them for granted. We must continue to strive to accord these workers, who fuel your development, the right protection and treatment," said the Indonesian president.

Dr Yudhoyono also invited Malaysia to tap Indonesia's huge land bank and labour force to jointly develop agriculture clusters and food estates, and hopes that Malaysia will channel excess energy to power rural Indonesia.

In essence, both leaders agreed that both countries should not be bogged down by nitty-gritty issues that strain bilateral relations.

Instead they should focus on the big picture to create more economic opportunities and more friends on both sides. To this end, the media, lawmakers and the non-governmental organisations from both countries should all play a role in enhancing people-to-people relations.

- CNA/sc