Mahathir is credited for turning Malaysia from an agricultural economy to a fast-track regional financial hub

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.

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