Malaysia angered by terrorist alert

Malaysia angered by terrorist alert

KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia voiced concern yesterday that Washington's recent alert of possible terrorist attacks against U.S. interests and its embassy in Kuala Lumpur will scare away much needed foreign investment and tourists.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Kuala Lumpur was "unhappy" with the U.S. State Department for listing Malaysia among several countries where there was a threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. interests.

Washington recently ordered six missions, including those in Malaysia, Egypt and Yemen, to temporarily suspend operations following the deadly bombing of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania last Friday in which almost 250 people were killed.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized the singling out of Malaysia, saying the U.S. had no reason to feel threatened by terrorist attacks in Malaysia because the country was free from such activities.