(AFP) updated version Both the United States and Singapore today defended their decision to send diplomats last month to a briefing by the wife of jailed Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim.

Robert C Reis, deputy chief of the US mission, said the meeting was normal diplomatic practice worldwide.

"We don't act on anything. We just go and listen. The Malaysian embassy in the US goes to talks with the Democrats and the Republicans. It is a normal procedure," he said.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had rapped US and other diplomats who had attended the briefing by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail about her husband's medical condition.

"We don't want foreigners to meddle in our internal affairs," he said after the meeting.

Reis, quoted by Bernama news agency, said two officers from the political section were sent to the briefing on March 27.

"We just went to hear what people have to say, that's all. Ordinarily we, around the world, meet with all sorts of people and we get invitations from all sorts of people."

Routine work

Meanwhile, Singapore also defended its right to attend opposition party meetings in Malaysia

"A Singapore diplomat attended the Keadilan briefing as part of his duties to follow political developments in Malaysia," a foreign affairs spokesman said.

"Attending such briefings given to several diplomatic missions by a legal opposition party represented in Malaysia's parliament is part of the routine work of a diplomatic mission."

The Singapore foreign ministry statement said attendance at the meeting did not signify support for the opposition party.

It was important for Singapore and Malaysia to understand developments in the other country and "this must necessarily entail contacts" with players inside and outside the government, the Singapore spokesman added.

"This should not be regarded as interference so long as diplomatic conventions are respected."

Indonesia apologised

Last week Indonesia's Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab apologised for sending a diplomat to the briefing.

He said the envoy attended because it mistakenly believed the government had authorised the event.

Ex-deputy premier Anwar is serving a 15-year jail term for abuse of power and sodomy but considers himself a political prisoner.

He has been in a government hospital since November 25 with acute back pain due to a slipped disc and wants specialist surgery overseas - an option which the government has rejected.