KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — Wisma Putra defended today the decision to call in Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang over a statement he made ahead of a pro-Malay rally in September, saying it is normal practice to for a host nation to seek clarification from foreign envoys.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the Vienna Convention allows host countries to ask foreign envoys to explain issues of interest, especially when it deals with public sentiments.

“The ministry called in (Dr Huang) to ask for clarification, it is not a prejudgement,” he told Parliament when winding up points during the committee stage debate on Budget 2016.

Reezal said it was necessary to get clarification from Huang due to the prevailing public opinion on his statement, in which the latter said Beijing would not hesitate to speak out against any threat that may affect the country’s ties with Malaysia.

The deputy minister insisted that it is a normal practice and that Malaysian envoys are regularly called in to clarify certain issues with their host countries.

Huang had reportedly said on September 25 that China “will not sit by idly” if the republic thinks there is any infringement on its national interests or violations of legal rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses which may damage the friendly relationship between China and the host country.

His statement, made during his walkabout of Petaling Street, was likely referring to rising ethnic tensions in Malaysia following the red-shirt rally, dubbed #Merah169, on September 16 that saw protesters attempting to breach police barricades outside Petaling Street.

The statement, however, sparked angry responses from pro-Malay groups, with at least one Umno youth leader demanding an apology from Huang.