PM: Arab Spring was a failure

KUALA LUMPUR: Arab Spring was a failure as all the countries involved in the uprising are now broken in pieces, says Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Before (Arab Spring) those countries were quite stable.

"Now, you see Yemen, you see Syria and even Egypt – all of them have been broken up with war, tribal fighting, killings and dictatorship coming back," said Dr Mahathir.

He was speaking to the media after opening the Al-Sharq Youth Annual Conference 2019 here today, addressing issues of the media and the future of the world.

In his speech, Dr Mahathir said allowing foreign powers to interfere would result in a country  being used for the vested interests of big powers.

"The region has since witnessed what was dubbed as the Arab Spring, in which nations, once flourishing and stable, turning into failed states and a disastrous minefield for mankind.

"Nations like Syria, Libya and Yemen today provide images of a human tragedy while the rest of the world watch helplessly.

"Their sufferings did not originate from internal strife but rather interference and interventions from external powers which obviously were doing it out of self-interest, disguised under the veil of democracy and human rights.

"Core to all these is the tragedy we call Palestine.

"Apartheid, genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression and all the evil that mankind can inflict on others are compiled in Palestine – courtesy of the barbaric, arrogant, terrorist nation called Israel.

"Until and unless the international community is committed to finding a solution to bring an end to the occupation of the land belonging to the Palestinians, the region and the rest of the world will not have much of a chance for stability and order" said Dr Mahathir.- Star