Najib to Obama: M’sia strongly believes in democracy

Would you believe it? When Obama phoned, Najib told him that Malaysia strongly believes “in the ideals and principles of democracy, including accountability and transparency”.

I wonder if he mentioned how 900 police and riot police personnel turned up to try and stop the DAP from holding a dinner in Klang on 21 June and in the end, carted away the PA system and forbade the organisers from making speeches.

Najib also discussed Obama’s plan to close down the Guantanamo detention camp and indicated Malaysia’s willingness to accept two Malaysian detainees held there. Would they receive a fair trial in Malaysia’s democracy?

In line with Malaysia’s professed strong belief in democracy, would the Malaysian government similarly shut down the Kamunting Detention Centre for good?

This is what Najib had to say in his blog about his phone call with Obama:

President Obama
Saturday, 27 June 2009

Last night at about 9.12pm, I was pleased to hold a telephone conversation that lasted about 20 minutes with my American counterpart, President Barack Obama. It was our first conversation with each other as Heads of State and we exchanged congratulatory wishes on our respective appointments. I expressed that I was looking forward to working closely with him. President Obama graciously acknowledged my ability to serve as Prime Minister based on my extensive background in the public service.

I extended an invitation to him to visit Malaysia so that he may observe how Islam is applied in a plural, multi-ethnic society like Malaysia, following the President’s recognition of Kuala Lumpur as an example of a progressive Muslim-majority country in his recent address to the Muslim world in Cairo. I explained to him that Malaysia shares significant common grounds with the United States of America in that we strongly believe in the ideals and principles of democracy, including accountability and transparency. I also spoke about the initiation of the 1Malaysia concept and how the sense of togetherness and belonging will help Malaysians move forward with a common purpose.

President Obama also raised the subject of the global economic crisis, to which I explained how Malaysia has been affected by it. We also discussed on revisiting the Free Trade Agreement at an appropriate juncture. Our conversation also touched on issues regarding North Korea and Iran, and in particular regarding nuclear development programmes, money laundering and terrorist activities.

As President Obama had previously stated his intention to close down the Guantanamo detention centre, I sought for him to clarify his position on the matter and stated our willingness to work with the United States to arrange for the transfer of the two Malaysian detainees currently held there. I also extended Malaysia’s offer of civil cooperation with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan if it is required.

The conversation left me with a sense of optimism towards our relationship with the United States of America. I look forward to renewing Malaysia’s ties with the United States under President Obama’s administration and hope to explore solutions and opportunities to mutually benefit both countries in the immediate and long-term future.

And this is what the White House had to say about the phone call:

The President spoke with Prime Minister Najib earlier today and expressed their shared commitment to strengthening our bilateral relationship. They discussed the ongoing global economic crisis, and stressed the importance of growth and sound regulatory systems in both their economies. The President described U.S. concerns over proliferation and discussed North Korea and Iran, stressing the importance of implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. They also discussed ways to contribute to reconstruction and stability in Afghanistan.