KL concerned over Hanson's rise

KL concerned over Hanson's rise

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia voiced concern yesterday over rising anti-Asian sentiment by Australians who support right-wing independent legislator Pauline Hanson, saying Canberra's ties with Asian nations could be soured.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that although Hanson's policies were not shared by most Australians, "what's worrying is whether there will be more Australians supporting her politics.

"I admit this may create widespread or stronger feelings of hatred toward Asia, if Pauline Hanson persists with her political agenda which she has been conducting all this while," he was quoted as saying by Bernama national news agency.

"This may strain ties between Australia and Asia," he added, commenting on Hanson's One Nation party's stunning victory of 23 per cent of votes in last Saturday's Queensland state election.