[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 02 Sep 1999
Time: 23:40:24
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Politician hits out at comments on Brunei Sultan
KUALA LUMPUR -- A senior Umno member yesterday criticised a Deputy Minister for publicly disparaging Brunei's leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Mr Raja Kamaruddin Raja Abdul Wahid said Datuk Ibrahim Ali, an Umno supreme council member and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's department, had made negative comments about the monarch at a public rally in June.
"I have written a letter to Selangor Mentri Besar on June 22, providing details of the incident and I have also been summoned by the palace to give an account," he told AFP.
In the letter obtained by AFP, the politician wrote: "Ibrahim hailed praises for Mahathir but criticised the Sultan of Brunei for not helping Islamic countries which faced difficulties.
"I hope such an incident does not repeat because it can effect the good ties between Malaysia and Brunei."
The letter was addressed to Datuk Abu Hassan Omar, the Selangor Mentri Besar.
A copy was also sent to Tengku Idris Shah Ibni Sultan Salahuddin, the Regent of Selangor.
Mr Raja Kamaruddin said no action had been taken on Datuk Ibrahim, so far.
"I am an Umno member and when an Umno member makes a mistake, I have to comment.
"This incident involves the relations between Malaysia and Brunei. I must comment," he said.
Mr Raja Kamaruddin also said he had to bring the matter to the attention of Umno leaders because his wife was a member of the Brunei royal family.
Both Datuk Ibrahim and the Brunei High Commission declined to comment when contacted. -- AFP