Malaysia summons Chinese ambassador to clarify statement made during visit to KL's Chinatown

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Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang (centre) with his wife making an impromptu visit to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur last Friday to hand over mooncakes to various traders. Accompanying them was Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Ang Say Tee. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, Wisma Putra, is calling on Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang to seek his clarification on the statement he made during a visit to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur last Friday (Sept 25).

The meeting, according to a press statement from the ministry, will be held at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya on Monday.

"During the visit, he was interviewed by the media and subsequent media statements resulting from that interview has attracted attention and caused concern to the Malaysian public," said Wisma Putra.

"The Ministry hopes that this meeting will help clear the matter."

It is understood the Prime Minister's Office has been informed of the summon.

Last Friday, Dr Huang was quoted as saying that China was against those who resort to violence to disrupt public order, an obvious reference to the threat by a group to hold a demonstration in Petaling Street, known as KL's Chinatown.

"The Chinese government opposes terrorism and any form of discrimination against races and any form of extremism," he told reporters.

Dr Huang also warned that Beijing would not fear voicing out against incidents, which threaten the interests of the country, infringe upon the rights of its citizens in doing business, or disrupt the relationship between Malaysia and China.

"Malaysia views his remarks seriously. It tantamount to interfering in Malaysia's domestic affairs," said an official.

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