NOT for the first time in your columns, does Anthony Makara speak out in support of the authoritarian regime in Malaysia led by the Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir (BEN, January 4).

This is the man whose deputy Prime Minister and chosen successor, after a fall from favour, appeared in court on alleged sex charges with a black eye and badly bruised face. At first it was claimed the injuries were self inflicted, but now it is admitted that he had a rather disagreeable interview with the police chief.

Every reputable foreign correspondent whose reports I have read in broadsheet newspapers of differing political complexions have judged Dr Mahathir's rule to be one of the most authoritarian in Asia. His long years in power have been compared with the lengthy rule in neighbouring Indonesia of former President Suharto. His period in absolute power came to an end after huge popular demonstrations, and Suharto and his family are now accused of corruption and bribery on the grand scale.

Now, it seems, the writing is on the wall for Dr Mahathir with big pro-democracy demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur and other cities. Because international speculator George Soros is opposed to Dr Mahathir does not invalidate the opposition to him both within and outside Malaysia, as Mr Makara seems to imply. I am just puzzled as to why your correspondent from Westhoughton should support him so.

Alan Knowles

Church Road, Bolton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.