Politicians hail Mahathir's move

Politicians hail Mahathir's move

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Politicians from Malaysia's ruling coalition hailed on Thursday the decision by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to appoint an ethnic Chinese special assistant to get closer to the community.

A senior official of the Gerakan Party, who declined to be identified, said the appointment reflected Mahathir's determination to gather independent information in an attempt to stop a slide in ethnic Chinese support for the National Front coalition.

"The PM lacks an understanding of the aspirations of the Chinese community. I hope these appointments will address the issues," the Gerakan official said.

Gerakan is a multiracial but ethnic Chinese-dominated party.

The appointment, which has not been officially announced, was confirmed on Wednesday by a senior government official, who said Mahathir also planned to appoint an ethnic Chinese press secretary.