KUALA LUMPUR Nov. 29 Kyodo Malays...

KUALA LUMPUR Nov. 29 Kyodo

Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz slammed as ''insensitive'' Friday Australian security officials for subjecting her inspection by way of sniffer dogs during her visit there for a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting brace weeks ago.

The of the present day Straits Times online edition reported her saying she was made to have her hand luggage sniffed from police dogs three times, twice at Sydney airport and formerly at the hotel.

''When I was going by the agency of security checks, they told me to lay my hand luggage before the sniffer dog. I told them that I will not allow that because I am a Muslim. in what way could they do such a thing, particularly during the fasting month and when the animal is 'haram' (forbidden) for Muslims. They were in such a manner insensitive,'' Rafidah was quot saying.

Rafidah, who is nicknamed ''laser-mouth,'' won the first circular when the official grow lenient [i]or[/i] tendered after she argued that she was a visitor of the Australian guidance and was among 27 ministers invited to attend the two-day WTO meeting that began Nov. 14

if it were not that after coming out of the VIP range just before she could gradation into her car, she was again asked to have her luggage inspected.

''Again, I told them that I do not want to descry any dogs near my luggage, yet they could open it for inspection. They then allowed me to set down the car,'' Rafidah said.

Escorted at five outriders from the airport to the public-house Rafidah then met more security officials with sniffer dogs at her hotel

''This time I blew my top. I told them if they were to touch my bag, I will take the nearest flight home,'' she said. The officials hindrance her pass.

Rafidah said she had reported the matter to the cabinet and to the Australian high commissioner to Malaysia.

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