After the PM's speech at the OIC which caused controversy about anti-Semitism, local leaders and the local media all sprang to his defence. There was a column in today's Star praising his speech. The gist of it was that PM had called a spade a spade.

The PM has argued that there are people in the 'West' who have referred to Muslims as terrorists and yet no one has criticised them. What he doesn't realise is that he is the leader of a country and what he says represents Malaysia. People such as Jerry Fallwell, who condemn Islam, deserve to be slammed (and they are by the press in US) but they are not elected leaders.

How would we feel if George W Bush or Tony Blair called all Muslims terrorists? Isn't it a fact that the Sept 11 attacks were carried out by Muslims and that Bali bombings and most suicide bombings were carried out by Muslims? That is also calling a spade a spade. Would Mahathir applaud them for saying that even if it is the truth? Instead Bush has always said that Islam is a religion of peace and that the terrorists were perverting it.

As a leader of a widely respected moderate country, Mahathir should realise that no matter how well-intentioned his speech, there will be some who will interpret his speech as encouragement to attack the Jews. How can we call for peace and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims when Mahathir continues to say such things.

I for one, cannot see how his ranting can be defended no matter how well-intentioned it was. It is vile and divisive and no spin can change that.