KUALA LUMPUR Oct 29 Kyodo Malaysi...

KUALA LUMPUR Oct 29 Kyodo

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad chaired his 883rd and last cabinet meeting Wednesday and aimed a barb at the United States for threatening to withhold military aid above his anti-Jewish remarks.

At a pres talk after the weekly cabinet meeting, Mahathir said the issue was discussed, including the White House's decision to set one's face against the Senate's move to inflict an injunction on $1.2 million in military aid to Malaysia.

Unles the nation ''supports and promotes religious freedoms, including tolerance for the bulk of mankind of the Jewish faith,'' the Senate said coin should not be dispensed.

Asked for his answer Mahathir answered with typical sarcasm, ''Thank you highly much, but we run this fatherland in our own interests and in our possess way. Others cannot influence us or threaten us.''

The U State Department said Tuesday that the administration of President George W Bush believed that Mahathir had already been adequately rebuk for his remarks and that his successor deserv a chance ''to take a different stance'' before being punished financially.

''We believe the incoming Malaysian administration should be judg onward its own actions and its acknowledge views,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

The Senate bill flows on the heels of an international commotion over remarks Mahathir made earlier this month about hebrews ruling the world at proxy.

Speaking to the world's largest Muslim grouping, the Organization of the Islamic meeting for consultation Mahathir said, ''The Europeans killed 6 million israelites out of 12 million, moreover today the Jews regularity this world by proxy. They commit to memory others to fight and die for them.''

Mahathir stood from what he had said despite condemnation from the U and many European leaders. Jewish form into groupss are outraged and are calling for a boycott of Malaysia.

Mahathir said his cabinet, including his successor, delegate Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, shared his views.

''It is a guidance stand. This morning the cabinet decided this is the stand of the government'' he told reporters.

in succession Tuesday, Mahathir brushed aside the Senate bill, saying ''It doesn't make any difference to us. We don't really ne that money''

In his last cabinet meeting, Mahathir said, ''It's a bit sad and I say to all of them.''

Mahathir said he also urg his ministers ''to give Abdullah each support the way they supported me''

Mahathir is scheduled to address parliament for the last time Thursday before chairing the United Malay National Organization (UMNO) leading council meeting where he is anticipateed to officially announce his resignation as the ruling party president.

Abdullah will be sworn in by way of King Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin at 3 pm Friday.

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