KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reportedly criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's foreign policy choices, claiming they would harm Malaysia's image as a non-aligned country.

The former prime minister was quoted questioning whether Anwar grasped its complexities, and accused the latter of placing economic gains over principles by getting friendly with China.

"Malaysia is a neutral country. We want to be friendly with the world. We want to trade with all the countries. We must not side with anyone - neither America nor China," he told South China Morning Post in an interview.

"But this government seems to be leaning towards China. At the same time, it is afraid to displease America."

Last month, China's ...