Wisma Putra has cancelled its call for a meeting with ambassador of China, Huang Huikang, reportedly after it was vetoed by acting Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainuddin.
Chinese dailies reported that the call, issued by Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Naina Merican, was overturned by Hamzah.
Hamzah was Deputy Foreign Minister until July's cabinet reshuffle, in which he was appointed domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister.
Huang was caught in the diplomatic flap after he said that while China does not intervene in domestic affairs, it will not sit idly if it affects its local interests.
The envoy said this during a visit to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur, one the eve of a later aborted rally planned by a Malay group.
The remark was seen as foreign intervention, but Huang explained it was only a goodwill visit.
Sin Chew Daily reported Huang that did not receive an official summon from Wisma Putra, although the Foreign Ministry issued a press statement yesterday to confirm it is calling the envoy for an explanation.
China Press also quoted sources as saying that Huang would not be heading to Wisma Putra in Putrajaya today.
Huang is scheduled to attend a forum in Kuala Lumpur this morning.
Malaysiakini has contacted Reezal and Hamzah for their response.
China Press reported that Nazri had slammed Reezal for taking action on his own, describing it as "stupid".
The report said Nazri contacted a few ministers on the matter including Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, and that he would be flying to Italy to meet Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today.
Nazri met Huang yesterday through a meeting arranged by some Chinese businessmen, and discussed the matter for more than an hour, it was reported.
Several foreign ministry officials also attended the meeting.
Source :https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/313674#ixzz3n11H1htn
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