US threatens sanctions over missing jets and church attacks

(Free Malaysia Today) – The United States may slap economic sanctions on Malaysia if the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government fails to resolve two key issues considered crucial by the international community, according to diplomatic sources.

The latest Pakatan Rakyat weekly newspaper, Suara Keadilan, quoted the sources as saying that the administration of President Barrack Obama is demanding a detailed explanation from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s government on the two missing F-5E jet engines and the series of arson attacks on churches and other places of worship over the last two weeks with regards to the use of the term ‘Allah’.

It also quoted Wisma Putra sources as saying if Najib views these issues lightly then Washington could slap economic sanction on the country.

America is Malaysia’s number one trading partner and in recent years is ranked among the top three foreign investors. In 2008, it was the second largest investor with investments totalling RM8.7 billion.

Any economic sanctions will have a painful effect on the country which is already suffering from a large deficit.

Wisma Putra sources said Washington’s diplomatic note reflects the seriousness of the  Obama administration which until now had only voiced their objections with statements.

“After this, if the government still dilly-dallies and takes no serious move to resolve the issues, heavier pressure will be instituted including economic sanctions,” said the source.

 

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