Saturday, May 23, 2009
PM NAJIB STATE VISIT TO S'PORE
PM Najib Razak first official state visit to Singapore yesterday is heralded by news media as well of the government of Singapore as a new beginning; similar to that when the previous PM Badawi visited Singapore 5 years ago. Then PM Badawi wanted to put the thorny issues behind and work for better cooperation and relationship. I remembered he said to ‘start plucking the low hanging fruits first’ and then work on the more difficult issues. But Badawi was too consumed with domestic politics, he hardly had any time to warm up or sour ties with Singapore.
PM Najib visit was a carefully planned and orchestrated ‘wayang’. He was very polish in his speeches, articulate in interviews and his mannerisms relay his sincerity in casting away the turbulent ties with Singapore. He bravely pronounced that he will not be building the ‘crooked bridge’. This bridge was the brainchild and pet project of his mentor Mahathir. Instead he revealed he may build a third bridge in the eastern part of Singapore. What was assuring is that he will not implement any project until it is properly studied and agreed by both countries. This was unlike his predecessor Mahathir who would take unilateral decision in the name of sovereignty and superiority. Also for the first time the Point of Agreement signed in 1990 during Mahathir reign was brought up and both countries agree to revisit all the agreements. Another question asked about Mahathir opposition to Singaporeans in Iskandar was also tactfully addressed. All these acts are courageous as these will surely infuriate Mahathir and some quarters which are anti-Singapore.
My personal view is that Najib is a consummated and wise politician who wanted good relationship with his closest neighbour as the advantages and gains far outweigh the negatives. The thousands of jobs that Singapore provided Malaysians, the tourists’ dollars spent and the investment money Singapore invested. Perhaps his think tank must have briefed him that Malaysia is no more the hinterland of Singapore in this globalised world. The mutual dependence is now more balanced then before. Although Singapore needs clean and cheap water from Johore, it is no more at Malaysia mercy. For food, the republic has diversified its resources. So Malaysia doesn’t have the upper hand and that Singapore is a ‘parasite’ to Malaysia is purely an UMNO fallacy.
He and PM Lee sense that they do not carry any historical baggage that bogged down previous PMs. They have the opportunity to rewrite history. He does acknowledge many thorny and contentious issues are unresolved and deep rooted, but with political will, it can be overcome. He must have learned during Mahathir era, nothing was achieved through strong arm tactics or brinkmanship, something which Mahathir never hesitate to employ.
I watch his joint media conference and I was impressed by his articulate response as well as his sense of humour. So the ‘wayang’ was perfect and both the PM ‘waltzed’ away to a promising new era of Singapore Malaysia partnership. The Singapore press gave front page coverage, but the Malaysia press coverage was lukewarm. This underlines the difficulties facing the two countries. Najib may want to better relationship and cooperation, but what about UMNO members, civil services, Menteris Besars and all the anti-Singaporean lobbies?
After years of Singapore bashing perpetrated by Mahathir and the UMNO rightists, it will take a long time to change this anti-Singapore sentiment. Agreeing to Singapore is deeming by Mahathir as ‘kowtow to Singapore’. The ‘crooked bridge’ was an example of such emotional paranoia. Abandoning the bridge after Singapore disagreed was a sign of ‘losing to Singapore’. So by hook or by crook, a bridge must be build. Such mentality is now deeply entrenched especially among the Malay constituency. To change this mindset will require tremendous political will and magnanimity which Malaysians are still lacking. If not handle properly, it can bring about political suicide.
My view is that Najib will play it safe. Most likely, he will stay out of Singapore Malaysia issues until he is politically anchored. Nothing will happen in the short term. The good news is that Singapore will enjoy the calm to tend to our own business. On top of this, Najib is too embroiled with domestic politics. All the infighting and internal squabble will consume him. At the same time, the world economic recession too require his full attention.
I will very surprise if Mahathir do not response to the comments Najib made in Singapore. His response will clearly reflect whether the old man still has the political muscle to trouble Najib like what he did to Badawi. But keeping silent is the hardest part for Mahathir.
PM Najib visit was a carefully planned and orchestrated ‘wayang’. He was very polish in his speeches, articulate in interviews and his mannerisms relay his sincerity in casting away the turbulent ties with Singapore. He bravely pronounced that he will not be building the ‘crooked bridge’. This bridge was the brainchild and pet project of his mentor Mahathir. Instead he revealed he may build a third bridge in the eastern part of Singapore. What was assuring is that he will not implement any project until it is properly studied and agreed by both countries. This was unlike his predecessor Mahathir who would take unilateral decision in the name of sovereignty and superiority. Also for the first time the Point of Agreement signed in 1990 during Mahathir reign was brought up and both countries agree to revisit all the agreements. Another question asked about Mahathir opposition to Singaporeans in Iskandar was also tactfully addressed. All these acts are courageous as these will surely infuriate Mahathir and some quarters which are anti-Singapore.
My personal view is that Najib is a consummated and wise politician who wanted good relationship with his closest neighbour as the advantages and gains far outweigh the negatives. The thousands of jobs that Singapore provided Malaysians, the tourists’ dollars spent and the investment money Singapore invested. Perhaps his think tank must have briefed him that Malaysia is no more the hinterland of Singapore in this globalised world. The mutual dependence is now more balanced then before. Although Singapore needs clean and cheap water from Johore, it is no more at Malaysia mercy. For food, the republic has diversified its resources. So Malaysia doesn’t have the upper hand and that Singapore is a ‘parasite’ to Malaysia is purely an UMNO fallacy.
He and PM Lee sense that they do not carry any historical baggage that bogged down previous PMs. They have the opportunity to rewrite history. He does acknowledge many thorny and contentious issues are unresolved and deep rooted, but with political will, it can be overcome. He must have learned during Mahathir era, nothing was achieved through strong arm tactics or brinkmanship, something which Mahathir never hesitate to employ.
I watch his joint media conference and I was impressed by his articulate response as well as his sense of humour. So the ‘wayang’ was perfect and both the PM ‘waltzed’ away to a promising new era of Singapore Malaysia partnership. The Singapore press gave front page coverage, but the Malaysia press coverage was lukewarm. This underlines the difficulties facing the two countries. Najib may want to better relationship and cooperation, but what about UMNO members, civil services, Menteris Besars and all the anti-Singaporean lobbies?
After years of Singapore bashing perpetrated by Mahathir and the UMNO rightists, it will take a long time to change this anti-Singapore sentiment. Agreeing to Singapore is deeming by Mahathir as ‘kowtow to Singapore’. The ‘crooked bridge’ was an example of such emotional paranoia. Abandoning the bridge after Singapore disagreed was a sign of ‘losing to Singapore’. So by hook or by crook, a bridge must be build. Such mentality is now deeply entrenched especially among the Malay constituency. To change this mindset will require tremendous political will and magnanimity which Malaysians are still lacking. If not handle properly, it can bring about political suicide.
My view is that Najib will play it safe. Most likely, he will stay out of Singapore Malaysia issues until he is politically anchored. Nothing will happen in the short term. The good news is that Singapore will enjoy the calm to tend to our own business. On top of this, Najib is too embroiled with domestic politics. All the infighting and internal squabble will consume him. At the same time, the world economic recession too require his full attention.
I will very surprise if Mahathir do not response to the comments Najib made in Singapore. His response will clearly reflect whether the old man still has the political muscle to trouble Najib like what he did to Badawi. But keeping silent is the hardest part for Mahathir.
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