National leaders should be careful about what they say, remember?
Absolutely. I don’t expect anybody to excuse Mahathir’s comments (and I’m the one who habitually refers to him as “the Mad Hatter”). The fact, however, remains that Malaysia is probably the most effectively governed country in the Muslim world, and is among the most tolerant and economically progressive. It’s reasonable to deduct points for loony statements, and there are plenty of those, but one also must give credit for measurable accomplishments.
If I had to live in a Muslim country, perish the thought, Malaysia would be at or near the top of the list. That counts for a little bit, and I’m not willing to condemn the hatter completely.
If I were Malaysian I would object to Mahathir’s comments, on the grounds that they damage Malaysia’s relations with vital allies (much the same way that, as an American, I object to Boykin’s comments on the grounds that they damage America’s interests). Since I’m not Malaysian, that factor doesn’t enter into it. |
