'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.