MARCH 23, 2003

Peace to be a theme at Sepang?

The Malaysian government is strongly opposed to the war against Iraq and has called on the international community to condemn the actions of the United States, Britain and their allies. Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was highly critical of the coalition powers at the start of the war against Iraq, describing the action as "an illegal act of aggression".

Malaysians have, however, been urged to remain calm and not to overreact. It is a Muslim country but prides itself on its moderate attitudes and the Formula 1 circus has been treated with the country's usual courtesy in recent days.

Malaysians have, however, been advertising on the BBC World TV channel in an effort to promote peace and it is possible that there may be peaceful demonstrations at the race on Sunday, particularly in spectator areas.