Mahathir Mohamad

The West is very impatient. You want overnight change.

There are certain things that we can deal with by following the rules. But at times, we find the rules restrict you from doing the right things. On such occasions, we have to rethink - either you change the rules or break the rules.

Airplanes don't just disappear - certainly not these days with all the powerful communication systems, radio and satellite tracking, and filmless cameras which operate almost indefinitely and possess huge storage capacities.

Free press is not absolute. In this country, we say clearly if you start stirring up racial hatred, then we will put a stop to it. We might even close down your paper, because these things can only lead to a lot of riots and bloodshed.

If India is not too democratic, it will be like China in terms of development.

We have had dealings with terrorists for a long time. From 1948 until 1990, we had domestic terrorism because the pro-communist groups wanted to overthrow the colonial government.

I resigned on my own, and during my time, the country enjoyed a period of great prosperity.

I've had quite a long time in government, and I've learned a few things.

I was forced to say, 'I will not censor the Internet.' But I was never convinced.

When the people believe that the print media and the government-controlled TV are not really reporting what is happening, then people turn away from them, and their next resort is, of course, to access the Internet and what they can get on the Internet.

The Internet has played a major role in undermining public morality.

I don't care how sacred is freedom, but I think the time has come for governments, at least the Malaysian government, to censor the Internet.