"The Turkmen nation has no need for an academy of sciences. An academy of sciences is only for those who have no talent."

"We will build a new ice palace in the desert. It will be a symbol of our prosperity."

"I am not against having a parliament, but I am against having a parliament full of uneducated people."

"I have made it compulsory for all citizens to sing the national anthem every morning. It is for patriotism."

"I have decreed that all government officials must wear traditional Turkmen dress."