Anifah: Indonesian apology 'not necessary'

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman today saluted Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for his apology on the haze crisis in Malaysia and Singapore.

However, Anifah also said that it was not necessary for the Indonesian leader to say sorry to the two neighbouring countries.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for him to apologise, I think what is necessary is for us to take whatever proactive action needed, but nevertheless I salute him for doing so,” said Anifah in parliament today.

“What is even more important is we work together,” stressed Anifah.

“I think Singapore, Malaysia and maybe even Brunei should work closely together and what is most important is the interest of the people because this is hazardous to health,” he said.

Anifah said that the apology does not mean that the two nations are not finding solutions to the issue. “That’s why I say... I salute him for doing so and he owns up to it... but I think most importantly is we work together," he repeated.

“We can’t just expect Indonesia to solve it on their own,” he said.

Aside from Malaysia's Natural Resource and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel traveling to Indonesia tomorrow, Anifah said that a tripartite meeting has been called between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Asked about heightened emotions and tension between countries, Anifah replied:“People being angry will not serve you any good, but the government is doing everything to find a solution. We have good relationship with our neighbouring countries,” he said.

Anifah added that he would also be attending an ASEAN meeting in Brunei on June 30 where he would be meeting Brunei and Indonesian Prime Ministers.

“We will offer assistance if we can...we will send our team (to put out the fires).”

Yesterday evening, SBY apologised to Malaysia and Singapore for the haze caused by land and forest fires in Riau and Sumatra that has blanketed the region this past week.

"As the president, I apologise for what has happened and hope for understanding from our friends in Singapore and Malaysia," he told a news conference last night.