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KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, in a speech to mark the 43rd anniversary of independence, said Wednesday "foreign powers" were still bent on re-colonizing the country. In a radio and television address before National Day Thursday, Mahathir also accused "extremist" Chinese and Malay groups of fanning racial sentiments that could lead to a confrontation. "Today we have become weak because of an erosion in Malay support for the government. Believe me, if foreign help is sought, then this country will be pawned," he said. Ethnic Malays, who make up just over half of the population, have been divided by the sacking and detention of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in September 1998. Mahathir said the government had thwarted foreign attempts to re-colonize the country when it plunged into a recession in 1998. "It doesn't mean they will not try again. Their media have succeeded in smearing our name and support any actions taken by any parties including criminals that can destroy our country," he said. The premier singled out Malays who were not thankful for the quick economic recovery and said the community had been divided by a campaign to hate the government. "Foreigners like to see disunity and riots among the Malays. This hatred campaign by certain parties has reached a level where they are willing to topple the government through armed violence," he said. Mahathir cited the arms heist by members of the Al-Ma'unah Islamic cult last month, which he says was aimed at ousting the government. He said there might be stronger attempts in the future if hatred against the government grows. He did not name the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia in his speech but he has in the past accused it of inciting hatred. "Do not think that if this government falls, a new government will come into power. The new government will also be attacked and weakened ... the new government will be a puppet to foreign powers," Mahathir said. He also hit out at 11 Chinese associations who earlier this month revived a 17-point program, which among other topics questions some special Malay privileges. Mahathir said the associations' move was similar to that of the Al- Ma'unah gang to "fan racial sentiment" and said this could lead to a confrontation that threatens national security. "I appeal to the extremist groups from these two races to stop playing with racial fire," he said. "We will fight any attempts to incite racial riots through extreme demands. We will protect the rights of all the races as stated in the federal constitution. "We will not bow to any foreigners, their agencies and their media no matter what the amount of pressure." |
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