"I am confident that all problems between Indonesia and Malaysia can be solved properly. It is impossible to overcome the problems all at once but we can reduce the tension for the two countries to become true friends," Anwar said here on Thursday.
He noted that the sentiment that has happened was not because of the difference of ethnicity but of misunderstanding in responding to a dispute that could be solved properly.
Therefore, Anwar expressed hope that Indonesian people could exercise self-restraint to avoid burning Malaysian flag while responding to a minor issue that occurred between the two countries.
"If the Indonesian people burn Malaysian flag, it will hurt many Malaysian people who actually do not support the stance of the government," Anwar noted.
The former Malaysian deputy prime minister then encouraged the Indonesian people to express their disappointment through a protest note or a legal diplomatic effort.
"I hope there will be a better approach, because sometimes I also feel bad about something but I do not burn a flag," Anwar explained.
He also expressed his intention to improve the distribution system of frequently problematic Indonesian migrant workers.
"The issue of migrant workers is our common concern. Therefore I refuse contempt, rape, and caning because they violate the principle of humanity," Anwar said.
(O001/F001)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
