PUTRAJAYA: The United States’ 2015 Human Rights Country Report on Malaysia is based on unsubstantiated information and relies primarily on sources whose objectivity is questionable.

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said the government regretted that the allegations were selectively reflected to impute disrepute on the government.

“The report also didn’t take into consideration the country’s efforts to promote and protect human rights,” it added.

The report was released by the US Department of State as part of its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of 195 countries and territories.

The statement said the unwarranted report was prepared in the absence of any formal engagement with the government despite close bilateral relations.

“The US continues to ignore Malaysia’s sovereign right to decide on its internal affairs which takes into account its own circumstances and the prevailing threats to its society and its responsibility to protect national security and maintain peace and order in this country,” the ministry said.

Malaysia, said the ministry, highly values its progressive and dynamic bilateral ties with the US and believes the ties would be further strengthened with better understanding of domestic issues in Malaysia.

The ministry said the country remains committed to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental freedom as guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.

“It will continue to take necessary measures for every citizen to enjoy fundamental freedoms in a manner which does not impinge others on the exercise of the rights or is a threat to the security and stability of the nation,” it added. -nst