Mahathir Renews Critism of Soros (F

[FreeBurma@xxxxxxx]

Subject: Mahathir Renews Critism of Soros (FORTUNE)

SINGAPORE, Aug 21 (Reuter) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has
renewed his attack on U.S. based-financier George Soros in the latest issue
of FORTUNE, the magazine said in a statement on Thursday. 

FORTUNE said that in a recent interview, Mahathir repeated his claim, first
made about a month ago at the height of speculative attacks that hit all
major southeast Asian currencies, that Soros was involved in the currency
selling. 

``We have definite information that he (Soros) is involved. Of course he is
not the only one...but he started it,'' Mahathir was quoted saying. 

``He had this idea that by applying pressure on Thailand and Malaysia he
could prevent Myanmar from joining ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian
Nations),'' Mahathir said. 

Soros has previously denied such accusations, saying that during June and
July, barring $10 million in sales of the Thai baht, his group did not sell
any other regional currency. 

But in the FORTUNE interview, due to hit the newstands on August 25, Mahathir
claims, ``He (Soros) has wiped out billions of dollars from our economy'' by
deterring foreign investors. 

FORTUNE's press statement said: ``Mahathir believes Soros' aim is to punish
Malaysia for its support of Myanmar's ruling military junta, the State Law
and Order Restoration Council, the anti-democratic activities of which Soros'
New York-based Open Society Institute opposes.'' 

Mahathir is quoted as saying: ``We believe Myanmar should be given time to
make the necessary adjustments. If you want to act against the government,
act against the government... If you apply sanctions you punish the poor for
the (alleged) sins of the government.'' 

In the interview, Mahathir also defends the reporting on Soros by Malaysian
newspapers. He is quoted as saying, ``We are not anti-Semitic... The Arabs
are also a Semitic people. But when a person of Jewish origin does this kind
of thing (currency speculation), the effect is the same as when a Moslem
carries out something that is akin to terrorism.'' 

Asked in the interview what he would say if Soros were right in front of him,
Mahathir replies, ``Go somewhere else.''  

09:13 08-21-97