Al Gore's speech upsets Malaysia

(U.S. Vice President) Al Gore has predictably upset the Malaysian government with his reference to the "brave people of Malaysia" supporting calls for democracy and reform. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad knew such a message was coming ever since his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, was arrested and put on trial to face charges of corruption and sodomy. Dr. Mahathir has subsequently seen international support grow for Anwar.

Mr. Gore's remarks at a dinner on Monday drew a sharp rebuke from Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who called them unwarranted, provocative and abhorrent. Thus, this year's APEC summit is taking on a human rights dimension that shifts the focus from what many see as APEC's primary role: economic growth through cooperation, enhanced trade and investment liberalization.

But while the Anwar affair and Japanese intransigence on liberalizing its fish and forestry sectors seemed to put a further dampener on APEC's economic usefulness, it is impossible to ignore the recovery possibilities flowing from the proposed US$10 billion Japan-U.S. initiative to help recapitalize Asian banks and provide trade finance.

-- The Australian, Sydney