Political sensitivity needed when dealing with our neighbours

The Straits Times, February 16, 2007

It seems it is not only kids who say the darnedest things but politicians as well. Recently, a senior politician in Japan made the news with his description of women as 'birth-giving machines'.

During the latest Parliament sitting, Ms Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC) referred to the Thai decision to cancel an ongoing exchange programme between civil servants and suggested that since it showed they did not value it, why not cancel all such programmes and channel the money to better use, such as expediting the lift upgrading programme in Nee Soon South 'How to live with neighbours: Stay cool despite heated spats' (ST Feb 13).

I agree with Ms Chua Mui Hoong that there is no need for tit-for-tat nationalism. This is not brave politics, this is stupid politics.

Madam Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) referred to 'politics of envy' and noted that Singapore's fast growth and success 'may be creating a lot of tension with our neighbours', while its offer to 'help' caused them 'loss of face'. We should be proud of our achievements. But pride is one thing, a cocky sense of superiority another. Why wouldn't our neighbours think we're smug with comments like those from our two MPs?

That might also seek to explain remarks from our neighbours such as Dr Mahathir's 'you will get nowhere with them either being nice or tough; they only think of themselves' ('Mahathir backs Thailand in row with Singapore', (ST, Jan 31).

Our relations with our neighbours have taken a hit recently - from Thailand's accusation of us spying on them through telcos and Indonesia banning sand exports to Malaysia's claim that our land reclamation caused their floods. These issues need to be resolved decisively, but not disrespectfully.

While I agree that we should always aim to be correct rather than politically correct, one has to admit that diplomacy evidently calls for a degree of political sensitivity. We have to ask ourselves: Is it really that important to operate so blindly in legality and technicality, and forget for a while that diplomacy keeps harmony and promotes stability.

Faye Chiam Pui Hoon (Ms)
ST Forum