By Jonathan Pearlman November 7 2002

Australia's peak Muslim group has scoffed at Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's statement that Australia is unsafe for Muslims, saying Dr Mahathir should worry about the safety of his own people.

"Muslims are very safe in this country," said The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils spokesman Kuranda Seyit. "Australia has been a very fair and tolerant society.

"I think Mahathir is inciting and provoking fear within the Muslim community. He doesn't live in Australia. Frankly I think he should worry about his own country and his own people. He's not the best example of having a tolerant view."

Mr Seyit said Australians had suffered far less harassment since September 11 than Muslims in the United States, but was concerned that raids against Muslims suspected of involvement with the Bali bombings had been excessive.

"I think the raids were a result of the government wanting to be seen to be doing something about the terrible Bali tragedy. I don't think the conduct of the raids has been fair. ASIO is using bully tactics. There is no substantial evidence these people are connected to terrorist activities overseas."

Faikah Behardien, a member of the Muslim Women's National Network of Australia, said Dr Mahathir's comments were an overreaction.

"The man is totally over-reacting, but it was an over-reaction to the over-reaction he had seen from the foreign minister about Australians not going to Asia," said Ms Behardien.

"The families affected by the ASIO raids would be justified in feeling that Australia wasn't safe. The reasons for the raids have not been disclosed so you wonder who it might happen to next. You don't know who is going to come and knock at your door at two in the morning."

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2002