Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican has lashed out at those who accused him of breaching protocol in calling China's Ambassador to Malaysia to Wisma Putra.

"Calling the Chinese ambassador to give an explanation to Wisma Putra is normal.

"What is unusual and broke protocol was when a member of the government administration 'jumped' and made loose accusations against the actions taken by Wisma Putra.

"Questioning the collective decision by Wisma Putra was a weak, shallow, and careless act," he said in a statement today.

While not mentioning names, the statement is clearly directed at Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz ( photo ) who said Reezal had broken protocol by summoning Huang Huikang.

Nazri said only an acting foreign minister can do so, in the absence of the foreign minister.

He has since admitted that this was a mistake as he was not aware that Foreign Minister Anifah Aman had been consulted.

Nazri added that he did not mean to interfere in Wisma Putra's affairs.

Nothing personal in calling Huang

Meanwhile, Reezal said there was nothing personal in calling in Huang.

"It was done because Malaysia is a sovereign country and its dignity should not be trampled on by any foreign country," he said.

Huang was summoned to meet Anifah's former deputy, and now Acting Foreign Minister, Hamzah Zainuddin, yesterday.

However there was much confusion about the meeting, as it was initially reported that it had been cancelled.

There was further confusion on the matter when Huang denied that Wisma Putra had called him in, as reported by Sin Chew Daily yesterday.

The Chinese daily also reported that Huang and Hamzah did not talk about Petaling Street during their meet.

Huang, during his Sept 25 visit to Petaling Street, said China will not intervene in domestic affairs but will not sit idle if China's interests are affected.

His visit on the eve of a rally by a Malay group at the traditionally ethnic Chinese trading area in Kuala Lumpur, which was later-cancelled, is seen by Umno and Perkasa as foreign intervention.

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