Federal Opposition rebuked for comments on Malaysia (A/Min)

A State Government Minister has rebuked the Federal Opposition over comments on Malaysia.

Acting State Development Minister Gordon Hill, who has special responsibility for trade, today said claims made by Opposition frontbencher John Howard had done nothing to help trade or other relations with an Asian neighbour.

"Mr Howard's assertions could undo much of the work that has been done by Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans and others to restore good relations with Malaysia," Mr Hill said.

"I have received several calls, including two from senior people in the Malaysian Government, expressing concern at what Mr Howard said.

"Business people in Perth have also said they thought his claims could damage Australia's relationship.

"The Federal Opposition Leader, John Hewson, should censure Mr Howard for making stupid comments which will do little to improve Australia's economic situation and could in fact make recovery more difficult.

"In the last financial year, Western Australia's trade with Malaysia was worth $112 million.

"If it had not been for the difficulties that previously existed in our relationship, we could have expected that trade to grow to the proportions of our trade with Singapore - which was $1.2 BILLION in the last financial year.

"The State Government and WA exporters have been working extremely hard since Mr Evans visited Malaysia to rebuild the links with that country.

"To have Mr Howard dismiss Malaysia when he clearly knows so little about that country's social structure could cost this State and the rest of the country hundreds of millions of dollars in trade deals.

"Mr Howard should confine his attention to those areas in which he does have some knowledge."