Malaysian people confused over poitical conflict

Malaysian people confused over poitical conflict

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Residents of Malaysia's capital expressed a mixture of indifference and confusion on Monday as protesters vented their anger over the arrest of former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim by taking to the streets.

As thousands of supporters of Anwar clashed with riot police for the second successive day, most Kuala Lumpur residents asked by Reuters remained divided over the rift between Anwar and his former mentor, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

"I can't say because I haven't heard both sides of the story," said Izam, a human resources manager in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

"The papers are already being controlled so only through the Internet can we get the other side.

"Most people are 50-50. Everyone has flaws. If you replace Mahathir, who is the best choice? He's done a lot for the country."

Wing Fong, an IT consultant in his 20s, said he had only heard news of Anwar's arrest and the rioting on Monday morning via the Internet.

"I think more people are just focused on the Commonwealth Games at the moment," he said. "After that, we'll see what happens.

"I'm not too sure about the Chinese, but the Malays are very supportive of Anwar. I have a few friends who have strong opinions on Anwar. They say he's been framed."

Anwar is under investigation amid allegations of sodomy, treason and other crimes he denies. He says he has been the victim of a high-level conspiracy to end his political career.

"I'm not involved in politics but we think Mahathir should resign. Only the police support him. The Chinese, Malays, Indians all support Anwar."

Others viewed Anwar as a dangerous firebrand.

"Mahathir of course," said one banker when asked whom he supported. "With him we've never had race riots. Anwar will only stir these things up."

Thailand on Monday urged Malaysians to avoid violence following the arrest of Anwar. Foreign ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul told AFP that as a good neighbor, Thailand was following developments in Malaysia closely and was concerned about the possibility of further unrest.

"This is an internal affair for Malaysia but we are concerned about the recent developments," he said.

Japan's foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday Tokyo hoped the political situation in Malaysia, which was making efforts to overcome its economic difficulties, remained stable.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he was deeply concerned and warned against growing authoritarianism in the country, while Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew said he was hopeful the situation would not deteriorate.

Taiwan, meanwhile, said its relations with Kuala Lumpur would not be affected by Anwar's arrest, but that Taiepi was concerned about the development.

"Our relations with Malaysia are firm and there is no sign that the development in Malaysia would affect our relations," Foreign Minister Jason Hu said in a parliament meeting.

Britain told Malaysia on Monday to ensure Queen Elizabeth's state visit is not snarled in the country's political turmoil and protested over the apparent jamming of television transmissions to London.

"Her security is paramount," a British Foreign Office spokesman said after talks between Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Mahathir.