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.