Mahathir warns rapid Burma reforms would risk sparking anarchy

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RANGOON - Democratic reform in Burma will be a slow and gradual process, Prime Minister Dr Mohamad Mahathir said Monday, warning during an official visit that rapid change could lead to anarchy.

"While we uphold democracy and would like to see democracy practised in a country, we are also aware the process of change must be gradual," he told reporters after opening a technology conference here.

"We know from experience it is not easy to handle democracy. If we do not know how to handle it we will end up with anarchy."

Mahathir's visit comes as Burma's ruling junta is expected to embark shortly on an historic political dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The two sides began talking in October 2000, in contacts brokered by veteran Malaysian diplomat and UN special envoy Razali Ismail, but Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly complained that the process is moving too slowly.

Mahathir, a trusted friend and adviser to the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), distanced himself from the fledgling national reconciliation process.

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