Mahathir says weak gov't emboldens extremists

Certain extremists are making all kinds of demands, some of them requiring change in the constitution, because they think the government is weak, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

The former prime minister said the BN's loss of two-thirds majority in Parliament had emboldened these people to create various problems, unlike when he was at the helm.

"During my time, there was none (of this kind of problems). I had the support of all. Christians, Hindus, Buddhists all gave their support.

There were no demands," Mahathir (right) told reporters after opening the Cheras Umno division delegates meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

"These extremists are acting this way because they see that the government is weak and they are causing problems to worsen the situation," he said.

He was asked about a website article alleging a secret meeting in Penang between the DAP and Christian priests from throughout the country.

Mahathir said that he did not want to comment further because a statement made without clear proof could make matters worse.

To another question, Mahathir said that PAS should not cooperate with an individual "who is terrible in the view of sane people" if it wanted to fight for the Malays and Islam.

Apparently referring to Anwar Ibrahim, he wondered what it would take to make people realise what kind of person the opposition leader was.

After the revelation of the sex video, Mahathir said, he did not know what other evidence was necessary to convince the people.

"I don't know what else is needed for them to believe," he said. "Take them to see him do it, but that's impossible."

- Bernama

Related reports

Archbishop slams 'irresponsible, baseless, provocative' reporting

Jeff Ooi takes 'Christian conspiracy' to police

Najib: Calm down, don't exploit religious issues

Christian state: Utusan blowing hot air, says don

Perkasa gives gov't 2 weeks over Christian issue

Another report lodged over 'Christian conspiracy' 

Ibrahim Ali says communists behind Christian agenda

A 'new McCarthyism' on the rise, warns Bishop

Christianity now BN's convenient scapegoat

Hisham, don't take Utusan report as gospel truth

Umno plays race-religion card ahead of polls

Mahathir says weak gov't emboldens extremists