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malaysian memo



from altsean@xxxxxxxxxx
pls note there was coverage in malaysian papers as well

Singapore Straits Times
MAY 28 1997
Delay Yangon's entry into Asean'
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KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) yesterday urged
the government to defer Myanmar's entry into Asean for "harassing Muslim
communities".

Abim, one of the most influential Islamic groups in Malaysia, delivered a
protest letter yesterday to the Myanmar embassy with copies to Foreign
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Acting Prime Minister and former Abim
chief Anwar Ibrahim.
It called on the government to review its policy on Myanmar "and, if
possible, to delay its entry into Asean until the existence of a legitimate
government of Burma."

Its Secretary-General Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman said that 30 mosques had been
destroyed in Myanmar in unrest between Buddhist monks and Muslims since
March, most of them in the central city of Mandalay.

Its letter accused the Slorc of instigating riots "to divert popular
attention from the national political and economic hardships".

Malaysia is this year's chairman of Asean, whose foreign ministers will meet
here on Saturday to decide when to admit Myanmar.

Diplomats and political analysts said Myanmar would most likely become a
full member at the annual Asean ministerial meeting scheduled for July 24 -
25. -- Reuter.

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    Copyright © 1997 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.