Anti-Semitic Theme : LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
International Herald Tribune
October 22, 1997
Thomas Fuller

Regarding "Malaysian Leader Sees Hidden Jewish 'Agenda"' (Oct. 11):

Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad's recent remarks regarding Jews are consistent with his long record of anti-Semitism and a belief in a Jewish conspiracy to bring about the downfall of Malaysia.

While the prime minister has since claimed he was misquoted, his comments closely resemble anti-Jewish statements he has made in the past. In 1988 he charged that the Western media were controlled by Jews because "they have to bow to Zionist interests" and accused "Jewish-owned" foreign publications of attempting to destabilize Malaysia. After an unfavorable 1986 article about Malaysia, he claimed the Wall Street Journal was controlled by Jews and part of a Zionist plot to overthrow his regime.

ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN.

New York. - The writer is national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

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