Malaysiakini(http://www.malaysiakini.com)
Mahathir: All that's wrong comes from the West, 24 September 2010
by Regina Lee
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has always been known for his fiery disdain for western civilisation.
And even at 85, despite betraying a hint of common cold, the elder statesman did not slow down in his vitriol against the Western powers, blaming them for the problems of the world.
"Without you knowing, the world is having moral, social, political and economic crises because they are too tied up and bound by the goals and philosophies derived from Western theories," he said, in between sniffles.
Without mincing his words, Mahathir also pointed out a "fundamental flaw" of "Western ideals", they lacked religious elements.
"And now, we feel that what we have inherited and what was taught to us were incompatible and outdated. We feel deflated when faced with the theories and thinking brought on by Western thinkers, who do not base their theories on religion.
"They will come up with various theories and ideals, which get accepted by the Muslim community, without using spiritual guidance to check their veracity.
"From the philosophy of freedom to think and the freedom of individuals without limits as propagated by Western ideals, society will lose its way and direction from the true objectives of life, said Mahathir, obviously not a fan of such a notion.
Islam is the answer
Speaking after receiving an honorary PhD in economics and muamalat (financial transaction) administration from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim) at Putrajaya this morning, the premier of 22 years also said that Islam should provide a balanced alternative.
"In preparing the mind and the solutions for the best alternatives to the various problems of the world, we need more Muslim thinkers who can inspire and have a high level of capability.
"The Muslim community should leave the culture of rhetoric for one that is more meaningful and practical," he said.
Mahathir is well known for his dislike of Western powers, especially with his unrelenting criticisms against Israel and their role in the Middle Eastern conflict.
From time to time, he would call on Malaysians to boycott European or American products, despite the US being the biggest source of foreign direct investments during Mahathir's premiership.
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