Mahathir warns against colonialism

Thu, 31 Aug 2000

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, in a speech to mark the 43rd anniversary of independence, said on Wednesday "foreign powers" were still bent on recolonizing the country.

In a radio and television address before National Day on Thursday, Mahathir also accused "extremist" Chinese and Malay groups of fanning racial sentiments that could lead to 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 firing and detention of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in September 1998.

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