Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was being pragmatic in issues concerning the gulf nation.
“We have always been pragmatic. When the time comes for us to call a spade a spade, we will do that,” Reezal said in his winding up of the Supply Bill at the committee stage here today.
Reezal’s comments were in response to concerns raised by several opposition MPs today on Malaysia’s involvement with Saudi Arabia, particularly with the building of the KSCIP here.
The setting up of the KSCIP was agreed during the visit of Saudi ruler King Salman Abdul Aziz to Malaysia in March. It is part of efforts to fight the influence of the militant group Islamic State (IS).
The Malaysian government has allocated 16 hectares in Putrajaya to build the centre, although details of its operations, including the staff, have not been revealed.
Earlier, Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) had questioned Saudi Arabia’s role in the centre, and noted that many other countries could have been emulated instead when it came to the issue of combating terrorism and extremism.
“What are the benefits of cooperating with Saudi Arabia? Many Malaysians feel that the values held by Saudi Arabia are far more conservative compared to Malaysia.
“We also question, on the cooperation with Saudi Arabia, if we are being dragged into their internal political struggle?” Tian Chua had asked.
Reezal said that the KSCIP would be a chance for Malaysia to show its success in deradicalisation and gave his assurance that the centre would be built according to Malaysia’s template.
“In visits abroad, other foreign leaders have asked us the secret to our success in deradicalisation.
Raja Kamarul Raja Bahrin Shah (Amanah-Kuala Terengganu) also weighed in on the matter, stating that controversial Islamic preacher Zamihan Mat Zin, who was involved in deradicalisation efforts in Malaysia, was also against the setting up of the centre in Malaysia.
Khalid Abd Samad (Amanah-Shah Alam), meanwhile, questioned Malaysia’s stand, in view of Saudi Arabia’s relations with Qatar, and warned of repercussions if Malaysia was seen to be too friendly with King Salman.
“The world view on the developments in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is that of a power struggle and a cleansing.
“Being pragmatic does not mean calling a spade a spade. Being pragmatic means you must be prepared to face it, whichever team wins. What is our reaction?” Khalid asked.
Reezal (BN-Kepala Batas) reiterated that the country’s pragmatic approach to its foreign policy remained unchanged.
“I take note of the concerns raised. Two countries clashed – Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We still have good relations with Qatar. We recently welcomed the visit of Qatar’s emir, where many substantive agreements were reached.
“If we were seen to be overly close with Saudi Arabia, we would not have that kind of cooperation with Qatar.
“When the time comes for us to call a spade a spade, we will do that,” he said.
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