Thread by @nktpnd

Mahathir Mohammad at @CFR_org. First question on Chinese economic influence in #Malaysia. "Previous government borrowed too much money."

Says he explained to China that Najib was the problem and not Beijing. But now he's talking about payment pathways privileging Chinese SoEs over local contractors. "That is not good for us. Malaysian contractors have no role to play."

"Colonialism can take many forms. Countries can be subject to pressure through economic systems and that is a form of colonialism also." - Mahathir

On Trump: "He changes his views, even in a matter of hours." Cites his cancelation of meeting with Kim in May. "Dealing with people who are inconsistent is very difficult."

On Trump and Asia: "I don't think he knows much about Asia."

Mahathir's remarks on China are imbued with a recognition of how large and powerful Beijing is. He recognizes China's growing gravitational pull in Asia, even as he's critical of the BRI projects in Malaysia.

How would Mahathir have Trump change his Asia policy? "Be consistent." Good advice.

"His response to any possible crisis is to send warships. I don't think that is a very good idea." Getting to #SouthChinaSea policy now.

"30 years from now, Mr Trump won't be around. Other Americans are quite reasonable people." - Mahathir, when asked about the balance of power in Asia in 30 years.

On Najib and UMNO: "Very early on, he told me that cash is king. When you say cash is king, you're saying that bribery is okay."

"The will of the people will prevail over cash." Corruption in UMNO is "very deep," says Mahathir. #1MDB

"UMNO is fragmented now. It is going to collapse. There is no future for UMNO now." - Mahathir.

On Anwar: "I'll keep to my promise" on coalition succession plan.

On rise of Islamist politics in Southeast Asia: "They're not going to do well." Says Indonesian extremism is growing, but Indonesians as a whole are quite moderate.

Mahathir comments on nationalism in Europe, cites Malaysia's multiracial experience. "In 50 years, all the countries of the world will be like Malaysia."

"Rich countries will have a mixed population like Malaysia. It's only a matter of time." - Mahathir

Mahathir answers HRW question on #Rohingya: says it was wrong for ASEAN not to have done anything on Cambodian genocide, says internal interference should be limited, but says something should be done on Rohingya issue. Says genocide is ground for military intervention. (!)

@observingjapan asks question on Japan's role in Asia: "Japan, I think, will sort of be a counterbalance." Says sometimes Japan is too close to the US in a way that's "not healthy."

Mahathir on India: "India, whether it is rich or poor, is too big to swallow.... The presence of India in itself provides a balance in Asia."

Mahathir says he doesn't think China has "complete control" of the #SouthChinaSea. Says BRI is okay as long as China allows ships through Strait of Malacca and SCS. Says no evidence China is hindering navigation of warships (not true).