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.