DATE= 10/28/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / MALAYSIA (S-O)

NUMBER=2-309160

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Malaysia's outgoing Prime Minister has come under renewed criticism in (the U-S) Congress for anti-semitic remarks he made earlier this month to an Islamic conference. V-O-A's Dan Robinson reports, House lawmakers echoed statements by colleagues in the Senate (on Monday) condemning the remarks by Mahathir Mohamad:

TEXT: The outrage aimed at Mr. Mahatir was amplified as the House approved a resolution repudiating his comments.

Congressman Steny Hoyer, number two House Democratic leader, said more disturbing than what he called Mr. Mahathir's "malignant invective" was the applause he received from Islamic delegates:

/// HOYER ACT ///

That must be unacceptable! Not just in this land, but throughout the world. Agreeing with or acquiescing in such religious and ethnic bigotry is every bit as dangerous as an incitement to it!

/// END ACTS ///

Mr. Mahathir said Jews "rule the world by proxy and get others to fight and die for them."

Members of Congress earlier sent a letter of protest directly to Mr. Mahathir.

The Senate voted to withhold some U-S military aid to Malaysia. (signed)

Neb/dar/PT