By David Bottomley BBC correspondent in Singapore

Dr Mahathir told the general assembly of his United Malays National Organisation (Umno) that the response to the 11 September attacks had marked a return to old ways of attacking Muslim countries and Muslims, whether they are guilty or not.

Dr Mahathir is due to retire later this year

Dr Mahathir is due to step down as prime minister in October, and so this is one of the last times he will address his party's congress as the leader of Malaysia.

He used the significance of the occasion to deliver an emotional speech, which included a passionate attack on the morals of Western nations, and what he said was their desire to impose their cultural values on the rest of the world.

But it was Dr Mahathir's comments about the war in Iraq which will prove more controversial.

In an obvious reference to recent events, he said that false allegations had been invented to justify military action.

He also claimed that Western powers had begun to invade and rule certain countries in order to exploit the wealth of those countries, and not because of security concerns.

He went on to warn that Malaysia could also be targeted.

This speech will annoy the United States Government and its allies, but it will not come as any surprise.