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Self-interest could lead to foreign interference: Mahathir
Kuala Lumpur, June 19: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today the US-led international fight against terrorism has become an excuse for western countries to try to dominate the world, by force if necessary.
Kuala Lumpur, June 19: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said today the US-led international fight against terrorism has become an excuse for western countries
to try to dominate the world, by force if necessary.
Opening the general assembly of Malaysia's ruling United
Malays National Organisation Party for the last time before he
retires in October, Mahathir lashed out at the United States
and other ethnic-European countries in a speech warning
supporters not to allow a power struggle after he leaves.
Foreign powers are watching Malaysia for signs of instability they can exploit to hinder Malaysia's development and keep it economically weak, Mahathir said.
Mahathir's retirement after 22 years as prime minister will bring about the biggest shake-up in Malaysian politics in decades. He is to hand power to his anointed successor, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Party officials worry that factional infighting and jousting for party posts will harm the government ahead of national elections widely expected to be held early next year.
In his speech, Mahathir said the history of Europe and its colonies such as America and Australia was of endless wars to seize territory and enlarge their global power. Their response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had marked a return to old ways, he said.
"Their strategy to fight terrorism is through attacking Muslim countries and Muslims, whether they are guilty or not," Mahathir said, in an apparent reference to the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Bureau Report
Foreign powers are watching Malaysia for signs of instability they can exploit to hinder Malaysia's development and keep it economically weak, Mahathir said.
Mahathir's retirement after 22 years as prime minister will bring about the biggest shake-up in Malaysian politics in decades. He is to hand power to his anointed successor, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Party officials worry that factional infighting and jousting for party posts will harm the government ahead of national elections widely expected to be held early next year.
In his speech, Mahathir said the history of Europe and its colonies such as America and Australia was of endless wars to seize territory and enlarge their global power. Their response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had marked a return to old ways, he said.
"Their strategy to fight terrorism is through attacking Muslim countries and Muslims, whether they are guilty or not," Mahathir said, in an apparent reference to the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Bureau Report