Mahathir accuses United States of attempting to recolonise the country

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday warned the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) that its dominant political role was under threat from foreign powers.

He also accused the United States of wanting to make Malaysia a colony again.

Addressing an extraordinary general meeting of UMNO, which was called to make changes to the party's electoral process, Dr Mahathir portrayed his sacked deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, as a Western puppet. He attacked the United States for supporting Anwar, describing it as an attempt to undermine the Malay-controlled Government.

Analysts said the warning was aimed at binding the divided party, which split over the sacking and subsequent trial of Anwar, by raising the spectre of a Western plot to overthrow the Government.

They said it was also intended to overcome continuing support for Anwar in the party and among members of the public, especially in rural areas, where many people believe his contention that he is the victim of a political conspiracy.

Dr Mahathir said he had not decided on appointing a new deputy, though many senior UMNO leaders wanted him to do so soon. Financial markets had widely expected that a new deputy would be announced yesterday.

Delegates to the meeting said the issue was of great concern to the party, though none of them wanted to discuss it openly.