Malaysia on Monday allayed Indian apprehensions that it is pro-Pakistan vis-à-vis Kashmir and told New Delhi that it would address Indian concerns on this and six other issues to promote bilateral relations.
Malayasian Minister of Works Samy Vellu said, "I have explained to Prime Minister Mahathir in writing all the seven bilateral concerns expressed to me by the Indian Minister of External Affairs Yashwant Sinha."
Vellu, who is on a one-day visit to India as a special envoy, said the issues included:
- Malaysian stand on Pakistan's desire to get international support on Kashmir issue,
- ratification of the long pending extradition treaty,
- India's proposal for a procedure for import of labour,
- opening of an Bank of Baroda's branch in Malaysia, which was denied,
- trade agreement with ASEAN,
- adequate contracts in Malaysia for Indian companies and
- reciprocal growth of cordial bilateral relations between the two countries.
Vellu said India felt that Malaysia tends to favour Pakistan in issues like Kashmir and this was 'not true'. "I made it very clear that Malaysia is a neutral country and does not interfere in bilateral issues of other countries," he said, adding, "it should not be held responsible if countries raised the issues at international forums."
"I have also explained India's concern over Malaysia's delay in ratifying the extradition treaty." This issue is serious for India, which is trying to seek the extradition of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, in connection with the Bofors trial.
Malaysia's highest court had, on April 30 this year, rejected India's request to review a lower court ruling dismissing its plea for the extradition of Quattrocchi to stand trial in the Bofors payoff case.
Vellu has also forwarded India's allegation that its citizens are having a difficult time as Malaysian companies are not honouring the contracts and that Kuala Lumpur has not acted on India's proposal for signing a formal agreement and setting up a joint commission to resolve this issue.
He said India also feels that Malaysian companies are given a lot of other infrastructure building projects in India, but the same is not being reciprocated.
Vellu said India has the impression that Malaysia is not as keen as Singapore and Thailand on having ASEAN-India trade agreement for closer trade linkages.
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