REMBAU: Malaysia has no plans to send a diplomatic note or take legal action against Indonesia over the transboundary haze currently affecting the country, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said such action was unnecessary as it could affect the good relations between the two countries.
"We have not reached that stage (of sending a diplomatic note). It is easy to say so in parliament, but if we were to do that, it would mean we were prepared to sever diplomatic ties.
"We need to safeguard the close relationship between the two countries. So, we are not going as far as sending a diplomatic note or taking legal action," he told reporters at Dewan Orang Ramai Rantau.
He was responding to a call by Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman for the government to take action against Indonesia, including lodging a diplomatic protest over open burning in the country that has contributed to the haze.
Syed Saddiq was reported to have said the government should not rely solely on meetings with Indonesian leaders, but should issue a clear diplomatic note with the support of other affected Asean countries, particularly Singapore.
Mohamad, who is also Rembau MP, said sending a diplomatic note was not the best way forward, as Malaysia had to take its relationship with Indonesia into account.
He said such a move might be a last resort, adding that Malaysia was currently opting for discussions and diplomacy to address the issue.
"A more appropriate approach is through diplomacy, which is the best way forward rather than sending a diplomatic note.
"I have discussed this with my counterpart, while the prime minister and deputy prime minister have also contacted the Indonesian president to discuss the matter," he said.
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