Mahathir warns of cultural onslaught

Mahathir warns of cultural onslaught

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad accused
foreign countries on Sunday of a cultural onslaught on Malaysia
and blamed the Internet and CDs for increasing the incidence of
violent crimes.

Quoted by the national news agency Bernama, Mahathir said
alien cultures characterized by hedonism, violence and low morals
were degrading Malaysia's traditional culture, which was based on
ideals of harmonious living.

The messages were being delivered by media as diverse as the
Internet and children's songs, he said.

Speaking to around 15,000 youths at a function organized by
the Malaysian Youth Council, Mahathir repeated warnings that
globalization favored stronger nations and threatened weaker
ones.