I'm a fundamentalist in the true sense. That is to say, I follow the fundamentals of religion... But for over 1,400 years people have been interpreting and re-interpreting the religion to suit their own purpose! ... These [extremist and terrorist acts] are not Islamic fundamentals any more than the Christians who burned people at the stake are fundamentalist. They are actually deviating from the teachings of the religion!
Mahathir MohamadActually, I invited many Commonwealth leaders to come to Malaysia. They did not accept my invitation. By that, I mean, they didn't say they didn't accept, but they just didn't come here.
Mahathir MohamadI'm brash and abrasive but that's because I've noticed when people are nice and polite they never get anywhere.
Mahathir MohamadI not only think but also look and study things carefully. When I travel around, I look at things carefully, make comparisons of what I see. I don't accept things at face value, you cannot trust what you hear or see. Don't jump to conclusions without thinking.
Mahathir MohamadSome people say that we here have no freedom of religion, ... In reality, the people in that country are the ones who were forced to embrace a religion.
Mahathir Mohamad