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Mahathir
is credited for turning Malaysia from an agricultural economy to a
fast-track regional financial hub
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By
Kazi Mahmood, IOL South East Asia correspondent
KUALA
LUMPUR, November 19 (IslamOnline) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir
Mohamad lambasted Monday, November 18, certain western countries for
canceling international program scheduled to be held in Malaysia.
He
said this was the case because these countries were uneasy over the
success, prosperity and peace that “we have achieved so far.”
Mahathir
is credited for turning Malaysia from an agricultural based economy to
a fast track regional financial hub with modern facilities and a
diverse economy.
Malaysia
is undoubtedly the most advanced Muslim nation on earth despite recent
economic troubles that caused serious stoppages in country’s
progress, sources said.
Mahathir
said the Malaysian government was also disappointed over the move by
these countries to place Malaysia on top of the “danger threat”
list issued to travelers, Bernama said.
“Such
action can affect tourist arrivals and entry of foreign investment,”
he said on Monday evening.
The
Prime Minister added that unfounded allegations and the move to link
Malaysia and the National Front (NF) government to the Al-Qaeda group
was the work of “mischievous people who had their own agenda and
wanted to tarnish the image and dignity of this country.”
Malaysia
had adopted a firm stand against terrorist activities and acted
speedily to arrest the influence of certain groups which tried to
threaten public order and topple the elected government through the
use of force and terrorism, he said.
Currently
the Malaysian government is pressing to eliminate local gangs using
sophisticated weapons such as the M-16 rifle and other automated guns
to carry out robberies in the country.
This
will ensure that Malaysia is a more peaceful place to visit and live
in while business can be carried out freely and without fearing
attacks by these gangs, a police official said.
With
the disposal of two notorious criminal gangs within two days, police
are now able to concentrate more on other armed groups like the M-16
gang.
Federal
CID Director Datuk Salleh Mat Som said police have more time and
capabilities to track down hardcore criminals, especially those armed
with firearms.
At
the international level Malaysia co-sponsored the resolution at the
United Nations against terrorism and took the initiative to hold a
forum to counter terrorist activities, the Malaysian premier said.
“Malaysia
had also agreed to the United States’ proposal to set up a Regional
Training Center to Counter Terrorism in this country,” he added.
Mahathir
is disappointed since many events threatening stability in the world
occurred such as the bombings in Bali, Indonesia, the Philippines and
Pakistan as well as the hostage crisis involving Chechen fighters in
Moscow. But Malaysia was not hit.
He
said the possibility of a United States attack on Iraq could have
adverse consequences on the economy and increase tension between
Muslims and non-Muslims in the countries concerned, including
Malaysia.
The
uncertain situation overseas had influenced world economic growth
which was expected to expand only at 2.8 per cent this year compared
to 2.2 per cent last year.
“As
a country with an open economy, Malaysia is not exempted from the
effects of external developments,” he said.
However,
with the measures implemented by the government, economic recovery was
expected to be stronger with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this
year increasing from 1.1 per cent in the first quarter to 3.8 per cent
in the second and performing even better in the third quarter.
Mahathir said he highly esteemed the solid support which the people
had given the government as well as the contributions from the private
sector which worked hard to ensure economic growth.
“I
am confident that with the Grace of Almighty Allah, we can build an
even stronger and more progressive Malaysia with peace and dignity,
respected by the international community,” the Prime Minister said
concluded.
