Foes of Mahathir See U.S. Misstep : Clinton Exhorts Asia To Pursue Reforms 
International Herald Tribune
November 19, 1998
Thomas Fuller

Opposition politicians said Wednesday that Vice President Al Gore's speech here supporting political reform in Malaysia had hurt their cause and strengthened Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad's rule.

"Whoever is supportive of Al Gore's position — the idea of reform in general — can now be labeled as disloyal by the government," said Lim Kit Siang, leader of the country's parliamentary opposition. "They will say: 'Are you with or against Malaysia?"'

During his 17-year-rule Mr. Mahathir has repeatedly warned of foreign domination of the country and the specter of "neocolonialism" — messages that have been carried by the country's closely monitored newspapers and television networks.

On Wednesday, newspapers showered readers with articles condemning the speech, often repeating the words that the government used to describe it: "gross interference." The largest circulation English-language daily, The Star, which had 12 articles on reaction to the speech, exclaimed "Al Gored!" on its front page.

In the speech, given Monday to a group of business leaders and senior Malaysian government officials, Mr. Gore offered specific support to a nascent reform movement and said greater democratization would help Asian countries recover more quickly from their economic woes.

Mr. Mahathir, speaking to reporters Wednesday at the end of the two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, made little comment on the controversy over Mr. Gore's remarks. "I don't know of any differences," he said. "I'm not aware. Were there any?"

Asked at a news conference whether he and Mr. Gore had discussed Malaysia's political situation, Mr. Mahathir replied, "No."

Mr. Gore's comments could resonate with regard to Anwar Ibrahim, the ousted deputy prime minister who is being held without bail as he faces corruption and sodomy charges in court. Since Mr. Anwar's dismissal from government on Sept. 2, allies of Mr. Mahathir have charged that the former deputy prime minister is a foreign agent, pointing to Mr. Anwar's friends in the United States such as Defense Secretary William Cohen.

"They were trying to link Anwar with the Americans and now you have this statement," said Syed Husin Ali, a government critic and leader of the Malaysian People's Party. "I fear a great deal of damage has been done to the movement."

Not all analysts agreed that the speech could strengthen Mr. Mahathir's hand.

"I don't think you can convince Malaysians that there is some foreign plot simply because the vice president of the U.S. made this statement," said Chandra Muzzafar, a professor of political science at the University of Malaya.

Just three months ago, Mr. Mahathir toured the country and warned Malaysians that foreign powers were trying to influence politics in the country to gain greater control.

"I suspect that the government is going to seize the opportunity to hit back and use the speech as a rallying point against foreign interference," said a source with close links to the top leadership. "I wouldn't be surprised if they start demonstrations in front of the U.S. Embassy."

On Wednesday, officials from the governing political party, the United Malays National Organization, urged Malaysians to sign a statement condemning the "American arrogance and ignorance." The party also urged Malaysians to call the U.S. Embassy to register their disgust.

Some Malaysians privately express fears that the controversy could hurt Malaysia's efforts to raise funds abroad.

"We can sit down here and put together a list of 20 reasons why Gore shouldn't have said those things," said the source with close government ties. "But if you're in dire straits — which we are — we should be very humble."

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