Kuala Lumpur, Oct 30: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned that too much freedom could lead to anarchy as he defended his democratic record today during his last appearance in parliament ahead of retirement. Under questioning by opposition MPs, Mahathir said controls such as the detention without trial of terrorism suspects and the banning of communists from elections were essential to maintain democracy.
The Prime Minister, who retires tomorrow after 22 years in power, said that while the government believed in free speech, it also had to ensure that racial sentiments in Malaysia's multicultural society were not inflamed.
"If an individual or a small group tried to incite a (race) riot they are actually rejecting democracy and the right of the majority.
"That is why actions that seem undemocratic towards the individual or the minority need to be taken to protect real democracy," he said.
"Anarchy can take place because of an obsession with democratic freedoms. The belief that if democracy is implemented then everything will be well has no basis, especially if democracy is imposed immediately."
Bureau Report