Western governments yesterday stepped up efforts to deflect mounting criticism from Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad following attacks on Southeast Asian currencies.
Mr Mahathir turned a goodwill visit by Asia-Pacific foreign ministers to his official residence into a stern lecture on the evils of Western currency speculation and billionaire financier George Soros, diplomats said.
'He told them he had ideas on how to stop it, but did not want to give the game away,' one source said.
'He reminded them that Mr Soros also kept his own moves secret.' Mr Mahathir called Mr Soros a 'rogue' and a 'criminal' and claimed he had led a conspiracy to undermine regional currencies in recent weeks and destroy Southeast Asian growth.
Mr Mahathir's comments failed to convince leaders such as US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and European Union representative Jacques Poos of Luxembourg.
Ms Albright's spokesman quoted Commerce Department under-secretary Stuart Eisenstat as telling ministers: 'George Soros is an honourable man.
'It is not appropriate to blame these problems on one person . . . it is not appropriate to blame this one person of improper behaviour.
