Washington, Oct 28: In response to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alleged anti-Jew remarks, the US Senate has voted without dissent to restrict the tiny amount of aid planned for Malaysia -- USD 1.2 million for military training. The Senate yesterday amended its Foreign Aid Bill for next year to make aid to Malaysia contingent on a determination by the secretary of state that Malaysia's government "supports and promotes religious freedom, including tolerance for people of the Jewish faith."
The Secretary, however, was authorised to waive any restrictions for national security reasons.
Mahatir has recently asserted that Jews control the world through their influence over major powers.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said that the Malaysian Prime Minister's remarks were "dangerously wrong" and "play directly into the hands of radical Islamic extremists.
"This is not an issue of free speech. His anti-semitic remarks lend credence and legitimacy to the hateful messages of local terrorists who seek to sow mayhem throughout the region," he said.
Malaysia receives no economic aid from the US.
Bureau Report