WASHINGTON, October 28 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - In what some observers interpreted as a punishment for Malaysia after the "Jews rule the world" remark made by its Premier Mahathir Mohammad, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously Monday, October 27, to tie Washington’s $1.2 million military aid to Kuala Lumpur to what it termed as religious freedom in the country.

The measure would require the State Department to determine that Malaysia "supports and promote religious freedoms, including tolerance for people of the Jewish faith" before releasing the money, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"They (Jews) get others to fight and die for them," said the outspoken Mahathir, who retires Friday, October 31, from his post after 22 eventful years of office.

The senate's measure still needs to win support from the House of Representatives, which has passed a resolution condemning Mahathir over his so-called anti-Jews remarks.

The amendment to the overall 18-billion-dollar foreign aid budget does provide exceptions for national security concerns.

Mahathir had denied being anti-Semitic, asserting he was merely stating historical facts.

"While it is proper to criticize Muslims and Arabs, it is not proper to criticize Europeans and Jews. Apparently they think they are a privileged people but we don't think so. If you criticize us, we have a right to criticize them."

The 77-year-old Mahathir has achieved almost mythical status among his admirers in Malaysia and tributes have been pouring in as he prepares to retire, according to AFP.

A generation has known no other leader, and even those old enough to remember the previous prime minister have had their lives shaped dramatically by Mahathir's 22 years in power.

Hundreds of messages have appeared in local newspapers in recent weeks, hailing the premier as a hero for overseeing Malaysia's rapid economic development and giving this small nation of 23 million people a voice in the world.

Invited to send in their tributes by SMS on their mobile phones, Malaysians have competed for superlatives.

"Dr. Mahathir, you are the greatest leader in Asia. You are irreplaceable. We love you," wrote Tham Kam Seng in a typical contribution.

"You are our nation's hero. A small place on every Malaysian heart will always have you," said another.

Professor emeritus Khoo Kay Kim, a historian with University Malaya, said Mahathir would be honored as "father of modern Malaysia."

"He will be remembered for having physically transformed Malaysia and putting the country on the world map," he said.

A major Malaysian university further introduced a compulsory subject for its 100,000 students: "Thoughts of the Prime Minister".

A book of that title, containing a collection of Mahathir's speeches, will be required reading at the state-owned University of Technology MARA.

Mahathir is renowned for his outspoken and often controversial opinions on everything from minor domestic issues to global politics, the need for technological development and the true meaning of Islam.

A 10-volume encyclopedia of his ideas has also been launched in Arabic and English.

"Some people say Mahathir is the greatest Malay leader that we have seen in the history of our nation," Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at the launch of the encyclopedia.

Abdullah, who takes over from Mahathir, said: "His legacy will be seen in his ever-flowing cornucopia of ideas, thoughts and opinions on a wide range of issues and topics.