Why EAST TIMOR REJECTS MAHATHIR

The Malaysian government is anxious to assume the command of the 8,950 troops, 200 military observers and 1,640 civilian police to be deployed under the UN Transitional Administration for East Timor (UNTAET). While the Prime Minister has stated that we "deserve" the command, little has been said by the government about the reasons behind the Malaysian request. To understand the reasons behind the government's request, you have to examine the history of the current nominee for the post, Malaysian Army Chief Jeneral Hashim Hussein.

Jeneral Hashim rose to prominence as the commander of MALBATT (UNPROFOR), the Malaysian mission to Bosnia. During his tour of duty there, Jeneral Hashim was noted for his enterprising activities selling cigarettes on the black-market. He was also reprimanded for "appropriating" funds meant for the welfare of his troops. Investigations into his affairs in Bosnia were terminated by then Defence Minister Syed Hamid. When Jeneral Hashim took command of the Army, all files into his activities were promptly destroyed under his orders.

Under the current defence minister, Abang Abu Bakar, new investigations into Jeneral Hashim by both the military and the ACA were conducted. These investigations have uncovered further incidences of fraud and corruption including the forging of invoices to substantiate computer purchases.

The problem then is how to remove Jeneral Hashim without embarrassing the armed forces. It is also necessary to stop the opposition from discovering the links between Jeneral Hashim and Syed Hamid and the role Syed Hamid had in covering up the activities of Jeneral Hashim.

One quick and easy solution is to send Jeneral Hashim off to Dili. Noted for his quick temper and foul mouth, Jeneral Hashim would be a bad choice for the politically sensitive job. The government should come clean and court-martial Jeneral Hashim to ensure that the honour of the men and women of the armed forces is not tarnished by this corrupt general. For his part in the whole affair, Syed Hamid should also resign.