The government will not hinder the development of vernacular schools and mother-tongue languages, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today, as he hit the campaign trail for the Sarawak state elections.

Mahathir said land allocation applications for Chinese and Tamil schools will be considered and financial assistance will be given in order to make the schools "more comfortable".

"Unlike other countries, we allow mother-tongue languages to be used and taught in our schools," stressed the premier during a gathering at the Chung Hua Middle School 4 in Satok this afternoon.

"We allow this so that other races do not forget their culture," said Mahathir, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman.

He explained that Malaysia was a liberal country due to government policies implemented by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

The premier claimed that this was apparent by the mixture of races in all government positions.

"Look at our cabinet ministers, especially in Sarawak - they come from all races," he said.

Not corrupt

The veteran leader also said the BN formula of governance was a success story as the coalition was willing to cooperate in order for the country to be peaceful and harmonious.

He also reminded Sarawakians that they had enjoyed much development under the BN government led by Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

"We have not wasted money and we are not corrupt as alleged by the opposition," said Mahathir, asking, "If we have done all these as alleged, how can we now enjoy so much development?"

Mahathir said the country managed to contain the 1997 financial crisis, which crippled the economies of other countries in this region, because "our economic fundamentals were strong".

However he admitted that the present economic situation was dampened by the slowdown in the US, which is expected to grow worse as the result of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.

Nevertheless, Mahathir said the situation here was not as alarming as those faced by the regional neighbours.

Also present at the function were Abdul Taib, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan, Umno secretary-general and Information Minister Khalil Yaakob as well as the BN candidate for the Satok seat Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari.

Abdul Rahman will be facing a straight contest with Keadilan's Zulrusdi Mohamad Hol for the seat which has 11,246 voters. The state elections is to be held on Thursday