KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8: Malaysia's former premier Mahathir Mohamad on Monday branded British leader Tony Blair a “war criminal” for his role in the Iraq war and the hanging of Saddam Hussein.

Mr Mahathir joined a barrage of criticism Mr Blair has faced at home for refusing to speak out on Saddam's trial and execution.

“Mr Blair has not said a word. But whether he says a word or not, he is a culprit,” Mr Mahathir told a press conference. “He is as much a war criminal as he accuses Saddam of being.” Mr Mahathir, who has maintained his role as a critic of the West despite stepping down three years ago, said Saddam's trial was illegal and “a travesty of justice”, but that he had gone to his death with “great courage”.

“The Americans and the British and possibly this little country in the south called Australia, they are also behind this hanging. They cannot say they are not involved,” he said.

“I am disgusted at these people because they tell us the death penalty is bad ... but they actively promote the death penalty, Britain in particular.” Mr Mahathir said Saddam's execution could only worsen the violence in Iraq, and he believed a mooted plan by US President George W. Bush to send more American troops to the country would not improve the situation.

“He should resign straight away and accept being tried by the same kangaroo court made up of his enemies,” he said of the US leader.

Mahathir is a member of the International Committee for the Defence of President Saddam Hussein.—AFP