Associated Press - October 27, 2003
Ken Guggenheim, Associated Press Writer

Before money could be spent, the State Department would have to determine that Malaysia "supports and promotes religious freedoms, including tolerance for people of the Jewish faith." The stipulation could be waived for national security reasons.

The restrictions were approved by voice vote as an amendment to the $18.1 billion foreign aid bill being considered by the Senate. After the bill's approval, it will have to be reconciled with a $17.1 billion version approved by the House in July.

In an Oct. 16 speech to a summit of Islamic countries, retiring Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Jews "rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them."

Mahathir, who leaves office Friday, defended the remarks Monday. Noting European Union criticism of his comments, he suggested the European Union says nothing when Muslims are criticized.

Mahathir said that "shows that they are under the thumb of the Jews." He said he does not consider himself anti-Semitic.

The sponsor of the amendment, Sen. Mitch McConnell, said Mahathir's Oct. 16 remarks "are dangerously wrong, and they play directly into the hands of the radical Islamic extremists throughout the region."

"This is not an issue of free speech," said McConnell, of Kentucky, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate. "His anti-Semitic remarks lent credence and legitimacy to the hateful message of local terrorists that seek to sow mayhem throughout the region."

A State Department report on religious freedom last year said Malaysia's constitution provides for religious freedom. "However," it said, "the government places some restrictions on this right."

The foreign aid bill considered by the Senate would be about $800 million less than what President Bush had requested but 12 percent more than the amount approved last year.

It includes $1.4 billion to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, $1.4 billion for children's health programs, and $4.4 billion in foreign military financing, including $2.2 billion for Israel and $1.3 billion for Egypt. It also includes $697 million for fighting drugs in the Andean region of South America.

The Senate bill also would overturn the Bush administration's policy of barring money to international organizations that advocate or disseminate information on abortion. The administration has threatened a veto if the provision is in the final version of the bill.

---

The bill is H.R. 2800

On the Net:

Congress, bill text: http://thomas.loc.gov.

031027
AP031031

Copyright © 2003 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .