[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2167] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REPUDIATING ANTI-SEMITIC SENTIMENTS EXPRESSED BY DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD, OUTGOING PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA ______ speech of HON. ERIC CANTOR of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 28, 2003 Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 409-- Repudiating the recent anti-Semitic sentiments expressed by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the outgoing prime minister of Malaysia, which makes peace in the Middle East and around the world more elusive, sponsored by my good friend Representative Roy Blunt. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has repeatedly crossed the line voicing offensive and inappropriate criticism of Jews. Instead of speaking about fighting terrorism or furthering peaceful cooperation, he chooses to preach hate. Mahathir's verbal attacks on Jews lent credence and legitimacy to the hateful message of terrorists. Today the Congress will do the right thing by condemning Mahathir's remarks and by making military aid to Malaysia conditional on religious freedom, including greater tolerance of Jews. Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar this afternoon complained that the religious freedom vote was an example of the United States trying to ``discipline the world in their own mold.'' To the Malaysian Foreign Minister, I respond, you are absolutely correct. In America a person is not judged because of who they worship and they are not persecuted by the government for believing in the wrong God. For over 200 years America has been a beacon of hope and freedom for the rest of the world. We have stood the test of time; defending the rights of the individual to pursue happiness as they choose. America has an obligation to aid nations that further peace through tolerance and freedom, Malaysia needs to understand that. Europe and The Organization of the Islamic Conference needs to issue a strong and real renunciation of Prime Minister Mahathir's remarks. The renunciation of these hateful comments would do more to create a safe and secure world than all the hate-filled rhetoric ever will. ____________________