Malaysia shocks U.S. envoy

Malaysia shocks U.S. envoy

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The U.S. ambassador here expressed shock on Friday at the Malaysian government's charge that Vice President Al Gore was inciting violence by praising the Malaysian reform movement.

Ambassador John Malott said democracy was not just about holding elections but also about allowing dissent to be voiced freely.

In a speech here on Monday night, Gore praised the reform movement led by ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim after his dismissal in September, hailing the "brave people of Malaysia" in calling for greater democracy.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi slammed on Tuesday Gore's remarks as "unwarranted", "provocative" and "abhorrent" and accused the United States of trying to incite "lawlessness" in Malaysia.