US human rights report on Malaysia baseless - Wisma Putra

The Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) has criticised the United States' 2015 Human Rights Country Report on Malaysia as being based on unsubstantiated information and relying on sources whose objectivity is questionable.

In a statement here, Wisma Putra said the government regretted the selective allegations contained in the report which gave a negative impression of the Malaysian government.

The report also does not take into account the government's efforts to protect human rights, the statement said.

"The baseless report was prepared without any formal consultation with the government, although Malaysia and the United States have a good bilateral relationship.

"Unfortunately, this one-sided approach taken by the US makes it impossible for a balanced understanding of the facts of the cases and allegations highlighted in the report," said the statement.

The report was released by the US State Department as part of its Annual Country Report on Human Rights Practices of 195 countries and territories.

"The US continues to ignore Malaysia's sovereign right to determine its internal affairs, which takes into account the existing situation and the threats to its society and the government's responsibility to protect national security and maintain peace and order in the country," the statement said.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia highly valued the progressive and dynamic bilateral ties with the US and believes the relationship could be further strengthened if the US had a better understanding of domestic issues in Malaysia.

"The Malaysian government remains committed to ensure the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms as guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.

"Malaysia will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure that all citizens enjoy fundamental rights without prejudice to the rights of others or threats to the security and stability of the country," the statement added.