Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday told a special session of parliament that the US-led attack o­n Iraq was a "cowardly and imperialist" act which would spark more terrorism.

The veteran leader, who took time out from a two-month holiday to address parliament, won a rare show of support from major opposition parties for a motion condemning the war.

"It is a black day in history when a superpower with its allies attacks a country incapable of defending itself, much less threatening another country.