Mahathir Mohamad

“When the people believe that the print media and the government-controlled TV are not really reporting what is happening, then people turn away from them, and their next resort is, of course, to access the Internet and what they can get on the Internet.”

“When developing countries go to the WTO and register their protest over things, they should be heard. Their views should be considered by the rich countries.”

“I won't call it UMNO anymore; this is Najib's party. I feel embarrassed that I am associated with a party that is seen as supporting corruption - it had caused me to feel ashamed.”

“I am not anti-European. I have many friends and acquaintances who are Europeans.”

“When you are in the government, you have to demonise your opposition.”

“A heretic can be tolerated. But a heresy cannot.”

“The Chinese are welcome to invest in industries in Malaysia. But just as we would not welcome mass immigration of Indians or Pakistanis or Europeans or Africans into Malaysia, we have to adopt the same stance on Chinese immigration into Malaysia.”

“Jewish stinginess and financial wizardry gained them commercial control of Europe and provoked anti-Semitism, which waxed and waned in Europe throughout the ages.”

“Most Americans, I think, know very little about East Asia or Southeast Asia. American businesspeople who have been here, they are very knowledgeable about this area, but the average American? No.”

“We believe that human rights always applies to the majority, who should have its rights protected. When people demonstrate and go to the streets, they deprive the majority from earning a living.”

“It is not true at all that a free market will ensure a democracy. It doesn't. There must be a balance between a free market and some regulations which are essential in order to safeguard the interests of consumers and of people in general.”

“Not many dictators announce their resignation, but I did because I didn't want to stay on and overstay my welcome.”

“The West is very impatient. You want overnight change.”

“There's no point in treating a currency like a commodity, devaluing it artificially and causing a lot of poverty among poor countries.”

“I don't care much whether people remember me or not. If people remember, well and good. If they don't remember, it's alright - I'm dead anyway.”

“You can be a liberal and accept same-sex marriage and all that, but that's your business.”

“A country without engineering skill and knowledge will never become a developed country.”

“Democracy for people who are not used to it can undermine stability, resulting in war.”

“When the planes crashed into the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001, Bush immediately identified what he thought was the true cause. It was because the Muslims were jealous of the freedom of the American people. It was because the Muslims were poor. This exposes a lack of understanding of things on his part.”

“I know I'm not popular with all the people. Remember, I am 'cruel' or a 'pharaoh.' That's all right. In politics, you get called all types of names.”