Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is upset with the strict security measures subjected to visitors to the United States, which does not even spare foreign dignitaries who are there at the invitation of the US government.

Citing his latest trip to the United States as an example, Mahathir said the Malaysian delegates were harshly told by a security officer to sit still upon their arrival in Washington DC until everyone was given security clearance.

He said it was like being doused with cold water as his visit in May this year was at the invitation of the US government with the aim of enhancing cooperation between Kuala Lumpur and Washington in the war against terrorism.

Mahathir said this in a press conference after officiating the BioMalaysia 2002 International Biotechnology Symposium, Exhibition and Business Partnering at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He was replying to a request for comment on the treatment accorded to his heir apparent, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, at the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept 15, en route to New York City.

Although Abdullah has a diplomatic passport and G-visa, the premier-in-waiting was asked by a security officer to take off his shoes and belt to be checked.

Anti-Muslim hysteria

Touching on his own experience, Mahathir said, "There was no need for him (US security officer) to say it in a harsh manner, because I am not a terrorist or a thief."

Asked whether such actions are a reflection of "anti-Muslim hysteria", the premier said there is already a general anti-Muslim hysteria out there.

"It is unfortunate that this stand is taken," he said.

Nevertheless, Mahathir is convinced that the Malaysian economy will not be affected by the stricter entry procedures into the US for Malaysians, enforced since al-Qaeda operatives were said to have established links with alleged local Muslim groups such as the Malaysia Mujahidin Group (KMM).

"I think the business people know for sure that Malaysia is much safer than the United States," he said, citing as examples the attack on the World Trade Centre and the anthrax threat which took place in the US.

Question in Parliament

Yesterday, a Malaysian parliamentarian brought up Abdullah's experience with the LA airport security, demanding the Foreign Ministry to explain if such compliance was required of other government leaders who visited the US.

Zulhasnan Rafique (Barisan Nasional-Wangsa Maju) wanted to know if it was due to a misunderstanding or miscommunication among the Malaysian Embassy, the Foreign Affairs Consulate General and the US Immigration Department.

"What we are more worried about is whether the (US) authorities had done this on purpose," Zulhasnan said in the Dewan Rakyat.