I REFER to the statement made about the former Indonesian president, Suharto, by the former prime minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (”He was a great leader, says Dr Mahathir” — NST, Jan 28).

Dr Mahathir dismissed as “absolute nonsense” reports by Western media accusing Suharto of being responsible for nearly half a million deaths when he assumed power.

I would like to point out that it is not just the Western media that accuse Suharto of this atrocity but also every other news media around the world and Human Rights groups.

Dr Mahathir goes on to state that Suharto was not responsible for the killings and he was not even president at the time.

It is a known fact that Suharto ordered the army, as their leader, to rid the country of communist party leaders and Sukarno loyalists.

It is also well known that Suharto had a very contentious human rights record, from the time before he was made president until the time he stepped down.

In order to defend Suharto, Dr Mahathir need not distort historical facts and accuse the Western media of false reporting.

S. SIVA, London

Source: NST – February 4, 2008