Government of Malaysia not trying to railroad Anwar

From the outset, I wish to register my deepest regret that The Nation saw fit to write such a sensational and irresponsible accusation against the Malaysian government.

The current case against Anwar Ibrahim is strictly a criminal investigation into an alleged act of sodomy by Anwar on his aide Mohd Shaiful Bukhari Azlan. The police are acting on a charge lodged by Mohd Shaiful against Anwar for sodomising the former. It is to be noted that the Malaysian police are acting within the provisions of the law of the country and Anwar is well represented by his team of capable lawyers. The allegation that the government is doing all it can to stop Anwar's march to become prime minister displays The Nation's ignorance and lack of understanding of Malaysia's laws and legal process.

I beg to differ from The Nation's view in regard to the recent debate between Anwar and Shabery Chik, information minister, as most post-debate assessments point to a higher respect given to minister Shabery who did well in holding his ground in explaining to the nation the issues that they argued during the hour-long debate. Additionally, the assertion that there will be an influx of national-front lawmakers into the PKR-led opposition coalition is nothing more than just Anwar's own prediction.

Malaysia-Thailand relations are now at an excellent level, and relations between the leadership of our two countries have been warm and friendly. There has been an increase in the exchange of high-level visits between Malaysia and Thailand that has strengthened the rapport between the leadership of the two countries. It is in this light that the Malaysian government does not need Anwar to help in its ongoing efforts to assist our Thai friends in searching for peace in southern Thailand.

I wish to reiterate that Malaysia is a law-abiding country with high regard for the rule of law and due process. The rule of law is of the utmost priority to Malaysia and any presumption on the part of foreign media to comment on the Malaysian laws and legal process is simply unacceptable to the government of Malaysia.

Once again, the case concerning Anwar is a purely criminal case and not politically motivated as insinuated by The Nation. I strongly urge The Nation to refrain from making any further biased reports on Anwar's case.

Syed Bakri

Deputy Chief of Mission

Embassy of Malaysia

Bangkok

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Relations with Cambodia not so chummy after all

From this Cambodian flare-up, I now wonder, in retrospect, whether our Foreign Ministry officials and the former minister ever had any regrets for the previous overt support they gave to Cambodia's solo application to the World Heritage Committee? They defended their actions, saying that they were for the sake of neighbourly relations when diplomatically they should have kept quiet with no overt act of support or insisted on a joint application.

The previous claim of the chummy relationship with our neighbour now looks somewhat ridiculous. Yet we have not learnt the lessons and are now claiming that the current actions are simply for the consumption of the Cambodian electorate and after Sunday's election, we should become chummy again. I am not that naive to believe that reading since they now have an edge over us in their positioning especially after the approval of the World Heritage Committee on Preah Vihear Temple.  There is a Thai lesson on trust that, with a club in your hand, when you are confronted with a trickery person and a poisonous snake, you should beat the person first.

Songdej Praditsmanont

Bangkok

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Company's innovation push an example for others

Re: "SCG to invest Bt6bn on innovation strategies", News, July 17.

It was a breath of fresh air to read Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul's article, as I believe innovation is key to economic progress. I hope the article will trigger other companies to follow suit.

In addition, I also hope the innovation strategies proposed by SCG will not overlook rural community issues such as soil development. There are many areas in Thailand affected by soil salinity, which is a factor affecting poverty. By developing the soil and reducing the salinity, you increase arable land and improve community income. I understand SCG is looking to collaborate with Biotec researchers to explore innovative measure to minimise the effect of salinity soil in Thailand. This is a sign of a good social entrepreneur. Bravo!

Ramjitti Indaraprasirt

Pathum Thani