'Indonesians join street protests'

'Indonesians join street protests'

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has
accused foreigners, including Indonesians, of involvement in
anti-government protests in Malaysia.

Foreigners wanted to see the protesters overthrow the
government so that Malaysia would open itself up to the
international economy, and ask for aid from the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), local newspapers quoted Mahathir as saying.

"We can see the pattern and there is even some Indonesian
involvement," Mahathir was quoted as saying by The Star daily on
Thursday.

"This is what they want. If they can win, the country will
have to follow the IMF. Malaysia will then submit to the IMF."
Despite more than a year of economic difficulties, Malaysia has
said it would not ask for aid from the world body.

Kuala Lumpur imposed capital controls in September to insulate
the nation's battered ringgit currency and economy from further
speculative attacks.

Since last month, anti-government protesters have taken to the
streets to protest against Mahathir's sacking and arrest of
former deputy premier and finance minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Local media have quoted police as saying that a small number
of Indonesian workers have been arrested for taking part in
recent street demonstrations.

Dismissed on Sept. 2, Anwar is awaiting trial for sodomy and
corruption charges which he denies. He was arrested on Sept. 20
after leading 30,000 protesters through the capital urging
Mahathir, in power since 1981, to quit.

Mahathir said he hoped Anwar's supporters would not continue
their demonstrations during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
summit to be hosted by Malaysia on Nov. 17 and 18.

The summit will be attended by leaders of the 21 member
grouping, including President Clinton.