Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday accused the West of taking steps to undermine his country’s economy but said "We have been able to fend those oif so far".
Describing as a "clash of civilisation", something which he said the West wants in poor and developing countries. Dr Mahathir said "botched attempts had been directed to destabilise our country".
The Malaysian Prime Minister was addressing a press conference at the Winter Gardens of Sheraton Hotel yesterday afternoon.
At the hour-long press conference. he replied to numerous questions on the detention and trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whom he described as a "friend of the West which wanted to see him as Prime Minister".
Dr Mahathir dwelt on the "invasion by currency traders" to undermine the economies of Malaysia and other Asian "tigers' {Thailand and Korea), the stability that Malaysia at tained after fending off the
storm, devaluation, and the role of IMF and World Bank, which he said, are necessary although he does not like those.
The ringgit (Malaysian currency) is weaker but has recovered and is doing well, he said adding that the currency dealers who raked the 'tiger' economies forcing devaluation would return once those (the economies) recover.
But China did well, keeping its currency under control. "Currency racketeers created the recent Asian turmoil", he observed.
He also replied to questions on how he sees the D-8 . democracy and rule of law. differences between Western and Eastern concepts about these, the 'clash of civilisations’ and his country’s relations with the United States
He said relations with the US is ■’good" despite "instigation" by US Vice-President Al-Gore to bring about a fall of his government through street demonstrations.
With the Malaysian ambassador and other officials helping him on the dais. Dr Mahathir said that the outcome of the second D-8 Summit was "satisfactory". Summit leaders discussed ways to promote trade and economic relations between the member states, insurance and re-insurance.
Dr Mahathir described his talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as good saying that they talked on expanding economic co-operation, business ties and Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.
“The Malaysian business has about a billion dollar investment in Bangladesh. There are nearly 300.000 Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. They are very good. But we can not take more because of our economic situation", he told a questioner.
"Despite Western efforts (to destabilise) Malaysia remained stable. The government and the government officials are stable. Anybody trying to do something wrong faces the consequence", he added in a reference to Anwar Ibrahim.
Dr Mahathir accused his sacked deputy also of instigating street riots after seeing street demonstrations bringing about fall of governments elsewhere.
The West have their own ideas. Its clash of civilisations. As usual, they are looking for enemies. They have taken steps to undermine our economy and finance. We have no choice but to try as much as possible to keep them off. They believe in a world where might is right. History shows peace is a anthem to them", Dr Mahathir said.
On Western concept of democracy, he said it is based on .individual rights. "But we believe in community above individual. Democracy is for majority and community forms majority". Dr Mahathir said.
On Anwar’s trial he said, "None is above law. including himself. Law will take its own course, he said while answering a question on a former police officer admitting beating An-war in custody.
Asked when he would retire, the 72-’year-old leader ruling Malaysia for 18 years said with a smile. "A respectable person can not run away. I will retire when time comes."