Mahathir warns against graft, religious extremism

Mahathir warns against graft, religious extremism

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned yesterday against the dangers of corruption and Moslem extremism in a speech opening the annual congress of his ruling UMNO party.

Mahathir urged members of his United Malays National Organization (UMNO) to eradicate widespread graft, saying it could stifle the country's growth and destroy its economy, eventually impoverishing the nation.

In his one-and-a-half hour speech at the annual congress, the premier surprised some of the 2,000 participants who had expected more talk about the country's economic crisis.

But "I think he has said whatever he wants at this meeting about the economy. Now, he's taking on other issues," one attendee said.

Talking on one pressing issue that has occupied his government, Mahathir told the meeting that corruption would raise the costs of living and doing business.

"Those involved in corrupt practices will face the consequences because they will live in a backward and poor country and will be humiliated by other countries." said Mahathir, who is president of UMNO.

With corruption, "trade becomes difficult and we lose our competitiveness due to high costs and inefficient services," he told the 52nd general assembly of UMNO, the linchpin of the 14- member National Front coalition government.

On Islam, Mahathir, the party president, warned that extremist religious groups were out to "attack and slaughter other Moslems for not accepting their teachings."

He criticized Moslem activists who focused too much on the "symbols of religion" like proper dress.

Alluding to the recent arrest of three Moslem women for being "indecently dressed", Mahathir said the covering of body parts could not suppress lust in the present multiracial society.

He warned that the wrong focus and pressure had weakened the Moslems and caused them to be divided, saying that Islam should be implemented on a moderate basis and tolerant to other views.

"If we are involved in corruption, if we are engrossed in prosperity and materialism, if we allow people who misuse religion to act wildly, then our struggle for 51 years for our religion and race would be futile," he said.

Moslems make up more than half of Malaysia's 21 million people, ethnic Chinese one third, while Indians and other minorities make up the rest.

Mahathir called for a new Malay culture that adjusted to the progress and developments of the modern world.

"We cannot use horses and swords when others are using firearms," he said. "We do not aim to build an empire. Our ambitions are moderate, we just want to be on par with other developed nations.

"But if UMNO is not bold enough to show a good example, the Malays will remain backward, outdated and a subject of mockery and ridicule," he said.

The 71-year-old premier also used his platform to reiterate support of Asian, and Malaysian, values.

"What is the difference with us? From the physical point, mental and spirit, we are not different from developed cultures.

What is the difference is our culture, our values and the civilization that we have built," he said.

Mahathir has practically talked of nothing else but the Malaysian economy and markets in recent weeks.

Malaysian shares were down to four-year lows Thursday while its currency, the ringgit, has hit historic lows because of heavy foreign selling.