Putrajaya will need to use political wisdom in resolving the diplomatic row, which erupted following China ambassador Huang Huikang's controversial visit to Petaling Street before putting Malaysia-China bilateral relationship at risk.

International strategic analyst Liew Wui Chern said Putrajaya was caught in a dilemma of its own making, after Wisma Putra unnecessarily called in the envoy.

Liew, a lecturer in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), said Putrajaya initially tried to contain the controversy while responding to the demands of Malay right wing groups.

But, he said, things went out of hand when the matter was widely reported by local and international media.

"At this stage, both countries cannot be seen as taking a step back or compromise, it’s not only about losing face, but the nations’ dignity would be marred," Liew told Malaysiakini.

Putrajaya needs to deal with claims of ethnic superiority made by right wing elements in Umno and NGO, so retracting the call-in notice was unfeasible, he said.

Calling in envoy a serious matter

"To summon an envoy is a serious matter in the eyes of the international community," he said, disagreeing that summoning an envoy is normal practice as claimed by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman ,

The envoys are normally summoned to explain a major issue or conflict-of-interest between both countries, he said.

Wisma Putra had called in US and Australia over the tapping allegation in 2013, and the Singapore envoy was summoned for allegedly assisting US in spying Malaysia.

Concurring, Universiti Malaya's Institute of China Studies deputy vice chancellor (research and innovation) Ling Tek Soon expressed his bewilderment that Putrajaya resorted to summoning an envoy.

"The bilateral ties between both countries are so close, there are ways voicing your concern privately," he said.

According to Ling, calling in an envoy in an open and public manner when they can opt to deal with it privately was rather “abnormal”.

In his visit to Petaling Street on the eve of a rally by Malay groups, Huang had emphasized China was against terrorism, racism and extremism.

Wisma Putra called in Huang last Saturday, following calls by right wing groups for censure over Huang’s remarks.

Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, who stepped into the matter when approached by Huang, and claimed the call-in is void.

Nazri argued that Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican had breached the protocol by calling the envoy.

In a twist of event, Anifah, who is abroad, rebutted Nazri to confirm that he made the call to summon Huang.

Despite a lengthy meeting with the acting foreign minister Hamzah Zainuddin on Monday, Huang claimed he was not there to explain Petaling Street event.

Long history of diplomatic ties

UM’s Ling said things worsened when all the stakeholders interpreted Huang's visit and statement from their perspective and stand firmly on that.

He, however said both countries would stand a better chance to put the matter to rest if they choose to deal with the matter privately in a peaceful manner.

"I don't think the incident would harm our relationship with China," said Ling.

Agreeing with Ling, Liew said the last thing both countries want is to spoil their 41-year bilateral ties.

Even if things were to go ugly, Liew said, China would maintain ties with Malaysia but might reduce trade volume as a means of censure.

Given the current ringgit depreciation and weak economic, he said, Malaysia cannot afford risking its bilateral trades and investment with any countries.

"To China, Malaysia is a strategic partner in South China Seas in term of economic and geo-politic, to balance US power in Pacific Ocean region," he said.

"Now, both Anifah and his China counterpart Wang Yi are attending the UN General Assembly at New York.

“They have all the opportunity to resolve the matter directly, instead of having Hamzah and Reezal handle the matter," he suggested.

He said the prime minister and foreign minister need to act, instead of relying on the acting foreign minister and deputy foreign minister.

Relentless right-wingers

Foreign scholars observing the matter agree. They say the relationship between both countries might be strained if Wisma Putra, Umno Youth continue to harp on the issue.

Summoning an envoy was something serious which may lead to serious consequences, said William Case, the professor of Department of Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong.

To reconcile and settle the dispute could prevent possible problem, said Case as quoted by Hong Kong-based daily Ming Pao.

But, if Wisma Putra, Umno Youth or Perkasa are relentless, then China's attitude might change, he said.

Whether China would limit co-operation with Malaysia or turned to a friendlier country - Thailand, would depend on developments in the coming weeks, he said.

Prior to this, both Umno's mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia and Umno Youth exco member Armand Azha Abu Hanifah fired at Huang for meddling into Malaysia's business.

Utusan urged Huang to apologise or leave Malaysia.

Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Mohd Yunos said the message sent by Huang was that the Chinese have a place to complain, or fall back on, to protect their fortunes.

In rebuttal to all his criticism, Huang said that his visit to Petaling Street last Friday should not be made out to be an anti-Malaysian government issue.

Related reports

Unite to protect every inch of our homeland, Jamal tells Malays

Huang: Don’t make my visit an anti-Malaysian gov’t issue

Chinatown folk don’t moan the world owes them a living

Khairy, what price is Malay pride?

Not only the luckiest, Chinese are hardworking, too