Mahathir backed in row with US
Parliament yesterday unanimously adopted a motion of confidence in Dr Mahathir Mohamad in response to a US congressman's call for the premier to apologise or resign over alleged anti-American and anti-Semitic remarks.
The motion, tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, came amid signs of increasing strain in Malaysian-US relations caused by recent developments.
Among them were the resignation call from the US, contained in a proposed congressional resolution, and Washington's efforts to block an Iranian gas deal involving Malaysia's national oil company, Petronas.
This week, US Ambassador to Malaysia John Malott delivered a direct assault on the rising incidence of 'America-bashing'. Dr Mahathir responded by saying Malaysians had a right to express their feelings.
The motion called on the international community to acknowledge the rights of people of all countries to determine their own leadership and policies.
It said the house viewed seriously a letter from the congressman and 33 colleagues to Dr Mahathir alleging that he was anti-Jewish.
Mr Anwar said the accusation was 'too extreme and thoughtless'.
The motion also expressed opposition to the decision of the US Government to investigate the national oil company's investment in Iran's gas industry on the grounds that it 'violates the spirit of free trade, which is practised by the international community'.
A US official arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to meet Foreign Ministry officials over the investment.
Dealing with the alleged anti-Semitic statement attributed to Dr Mahathir, which he has denied making, the motion stressed Malaysia's commitment to a multi-racial and multi-religious policy and rejected the charge that Malaysian leaders are prejudiced against Jews or any other race.
But it also left the door open to an easing of the tension between Washington and Kuala Lumpur by asserting that Malaysia would 'strive to guarantee continued good relations with the United States in all fields and step up efforts to enhance this relationship'.
