LKY Guarded Optimism on Malaysia

LKY has spoken up. In an interview on Thursday night, he said rather firmly,

'I had to emphasise that it cannot be cooperation today, non-cooperation next year and then back again, backwards and forwards,' 'No private investor will go into huge projects, which require decades to recoup, unless there's long-term stability in the policy,'

Thus he has reiterated that if the Malaysia wanted Singaporean investment, they have to be serious and committed to improving long term bilateral ties with Singapore.

LKY believes that the Malaysian cabinet is solidly behind Prime Minister Najib's policy to co-operate with Singapore in a broad range of areas. He said:

"If there are discordant voices either from the states who may voice some reservations or from whatever high sources within UMNO, then doubts will be cast in the minds of private investors."

I remember vividly during Mahathir’s era when relationship blew hot and cold at the whim and fancy of the ex-Malaysian PM. The 1990 POA on the Malayan Railway Land and the price of water agreed at 60 sen were prime examples. It was agreement followed shortly by disagreement. The unpleasant shutdown of the CLOB, banning of sand to Singapore, closing the airspace for training and constant criticising Singapore meritocratic policy, marginalisation of Singapore Malays has cause relationship to be rocky and turbulent at times. Effectively, LKY is telling the Malaysian that Singapore do not wish to live through these episodes again as they are counterproductive. Malaysia and Singapore should cooperate for long term mutual benefits.

I am sure Mahathir is watching from the sideline with anger. When queried by reporter whether LKY will meet him, he said in his typical cynical style, loaded with sarcasm.

I don’t see why he would request to see me, I am a nobody,” he told reporters when pressed further what if there was a request from Lee to see him.

“Lee Kuan Yew has much experience. Our politicians know nothing. That is why we have to learn from Singapore. Singapore is a great country, they invest so much money,” he said.

On the third bridge issue, Dr Mahathir said: “If we give sand, then we can get the bridge.” - Bernama

The trip has so far been positive for LKY. He managed to meet most of the senior Malaysian politicians, Sultans, Mentri Besars and even the wife to PM Najib. Officially, the Malaysian press coverage has been positive as anticipated with the Chinese medias giving more spin than the English. In Singapore ST, the coverage was comprehensive with many pages including front page.

So far, Mahathir and his anti-Singapore quarters have kept a stoic silence. This reaffirms and demonstrates Najib grip on UMNO and BN politicians is real. Unlike during Badawi’s reign, every politicians spoke their minds independently without following any directives from the PM’s office. So far no one has gone out of steps.

Perhaps they are waiting for a more opportune time. Mahathir has tried to look unperturbed. The issue of “Crooked Bridge” is a dead horse to flog. Likewise, raising objection to Singapore investment in the Iskander project will be politically unwise and may backfire against him. But Mahathir silence won't be for long. Sensing the right time, he will stoke nationalist sentiment using the sale of sand to Singapore to underscore his points and exploit the Malay ground. That he has hinted at his parting shot regarding sale of sand and the third bridge.






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