The Mahathir paradox

Article Abstract:

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad is considered by Western analysts as a paradox in himself. While Mahathir openly attacks the US, UK and other Western powers, he has shown through his policies that he firmly adheres to free market economics and believes in the value of foreign investment. Many critics dismiss Mahathir's aggressive stance vis-a-vis the West as mere grandstanding to earn him an important role in Asian if not in Third World politics. Admirers, on the other hand, find him a pragmatic and a politically astute leader.

Evaluation, Cover Story, Political aspects

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Fledgling industry: Malaysia's Mahathir pushes aerospace venture

Article Abstract:

Malaysia's government has bought Eagle Aircraft Australia as the first step in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad's initiative for the quick growth of the country's nascent aerospace industry. Malaysia spent $7.8 million to go from joint-venture partner to sole owner of the Perth, Australia-based company. The company will soon start manufacture of the Eagle XTS, a two-seat airplane made of composite material. Mahathir hopes that the acquisition will enable the Malaysian aerospace industry to shift from maintaining to making aircraft.

Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Economic policy, Aerospace industry, Eagle Aircraft Australia

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Political weapons: Mahathir's nod to Chinese arms raises eyebrows

Article Abstract:

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad gave provisional assent to a contract between a small Malaysian firm, Aneka Bekal Sdn Bhd, and a Chinese arms manufacturer, North China Industries Corp, to produce armored personnel carriers in Malaysia. Mahathir had witnessed the signing of the agreement during a visit to China in Jun 1993 and now fully endorses it on the grounds that China is not a potential military aggressor. However, Malaysia's Defence Ministry has not yet settled on which foreign firm should receive the contract.

International aspects, Military policy, Armored personnel carriers, Military assistance, Chinese, Chinese military assistance

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