Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad congratulated Iraqi insurgents in a recent speech, saying he had the right to express his opinions. Dr Mahathir applauded the insurgents, urging them to ensure the US paid a "high price" for its invasion of Iraq.
Malaysia's immediate reaction came from Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, who said "I think (Dr Mahathir) has taken that approach and I would not say that the Government supports nor objects to it," adding that Dr Mahathir was free to express his views as a citizen of Malaysia; "This is a free and democratic country and it's very nice to see freedom being exercised."
Dr. Mahathir's outburst on Wednesday came as he convened an alternative war crimes tribunal, which he has spearheaded for alleged victims of abuse in Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. He has also condemned US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair as "child killers" and "war criminals."
This is not the first time Mahatir Mohamed has made such statements. He called President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair war criminals with more Iraqi blood on their hands than Saddam Hussein on a number of occasions, telling reporters at his Malaysian peace foundation that Bush should face the same "sham" justice as Saddam. "He (Bush) should resign straight away and be tried by the same kangaroo court," Mahathir told a news conference called to promote a peace conference he is hosting in Malaysia.
Malaysia's immediate reaction came from Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, who said "I think (Dr Mahathir) has taken that approach and I would not say that the Government supports nor objects to it," adding that Dr Mahathir was free to express his views as a citizen of Malaysia; "This is a free and democratic country and it's very nice to see freedom being exercised."
Dr. Mahathir's outburst on Wednesday came as he convened an alternative war crimes tribunal, which he has spearheaded for alleged victims of abuse in Iraq, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. He has also condemned US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair as "child killers" and "war criminals."
This is not the first time Mahatir Mohamed has made such statements. He called President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair war criminals with more Iraqi blood on their hands than Saddam Hussein on a number of occasions, telling reporters at his Malaysian peace foundation that Bush should face the same "sham" justice as Saddam. "He (Bush) should resign straight away and be tried by the same kangaroo court," Mahathir told a news conference called to promote a peace conference he is hosting in Malaysia.
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