The Malaysia will voice its protest to the European Union over last week's remarks by the European Commission delegation head in Malaysia Thierry Rommel that the New Economic Policy (NEP) is not favourable to the country's economy.

"Our ambassador in Belgium will voice our objection to the EU headquarters. He will voice our dissatisfaction over the undiplomatic diplomat who has meddled with the country's affairs," said Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Ahmad Shabery Cheek during the questions session in Parliament today.

Describing Rommel as "offending the feelings of many Malaysians", Ahmad Shabery confirmed that the Foreign Ministry has called the former to explain his remarks. Rommel confirmed that he was summoned yesterday, but declined to comment further.

Over a luncheon organised by the EU - Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI) last week, Rommel told local and foreign businessmen that the NEP was discriminatory and amounted to protectionism against foreign companies.

He said the government's rationale of implementing the NEP was to protect infant industries but "in reality .. it is the Malay-centered Bumiputera policy that drives protectionist policies."

He added that "there is no level playing field for foreign companies."

'Expel him'

Responding to this, Mohamad Aziz (BN - Sri Gading) described Rommel as uncouth and should be expelled from the country.

"Much of the chaos in the world today is caused by meddling, in particular by the Western powers on developing nations."

"As an example last week, we were shocked and angry that Rommel from the EU, who has no manners, has interfered with the country's affairs," he said.

"We should kick him out and never allow him to return. These European countries, who interfere with a country's affairs, what do they know?"

"I hope the Foreign Ministry can kick him out and never allow such characters to step foot on our beloved Malaysia," he added.

Nothing new

Meanwhile, Parliamentary opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said what Rommel had raised important points that the government must consider.

"Was Rommel wrong and malicious in defaming Malaysia? Not at all. Rommel was saying nothing new as patriotic Malaysians have been identifying these causes of Malaysia's poor productivity and declining competitiveness," Lim told a press conference in Parliament today.

"Malaysians do not need Rommel or other foreigners to tell them things that they do not know, but when Rommel or other foreigners make bona fide comments and criticisms of the country, there is no need for government leaders to fly off the handle or resort to crude responses," he said.

Lim added that Malaysians should thank Rommel for "reminding what we all know very well as our national weaknesses ... rather than pretending he is disclosing something which is totally unknown or unheard of previously," he said.

Yesterday, Lim moved a motion to debate the matter in Parliament tomorrow.