Al Gore's speech upsets Malaysia

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