SOROS ATTEMP TO APPOINT NEXT PM?

SPEAKS.....Financier George Soros (right) speaks as South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel listens during a Brookings Institution discussion in this file picture.

By : LISA J. ARIFFIN

KUALA LUMPUR :  Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today suggested that currency speculator George Soros was attempting to usurp political power from the Barisan Nasional (BN) government by appointing his own leader as the next prime minister of Malaysia.

The former prime minister today made this statement when asked to comment on several local NGOs that were in the limelight recently after Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry called on the Registrar of Societies to investigate SUARAM, which received funds from Soros.

“How can it be a good thing? He wants to control our politics,” Dr Mahathir told reporters after opening the high level expert consultation on Islam and women’s health today here.

“He wants to choose his own man to be prime minister,” he added.

The influential leader, however, did not name Soros’ designated prime minister.

Dr Mahathir had early this year alleged the US and Israel are conspiring to affect a regime change in Malaysia through a “puppet government” to be led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In his blog, the former prime minister and Anwar’s long-time arch-nemesis said it was the US government’s hope that the new leadership under the opposition leader would establish diplomatic relations with Israel and distance itself from the Palestinian struggle.

Dr Mahathir then added the present administration led by Barisan Nasional (BN) is not favoured by the US as it keeps close ties with China and Russia, does not recognise Israel, often criticises US policies and does not support its sentiments towards Iran and other nations.

Earlier this month, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said his ministry was investigating whether the American non-governmental organisation allegedly funding SUARAM is linked to currency speculator George Soros.

Ismail Sabri said the NGO was one of two based in the United States allegedly contributing a huge amount of funds to Suaram.

He had asked Bank Negara to investigate the matter under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.