Singapore and our Neighbours

Reading excerpts from MM's latest book published in ST, I was reminded of the hard truth of Singapore's vulnerability, where 'none of our neighbours truly wish us well'. Through his 50 over years of statesmanship, MM's comments were a stark reminder of the need for Singapore and Singaporeans to always persevere towards its quest of not just flourishing, but survival itself. His examples of neighbouring leaders including Mahathir and Sukarno drove home this point well.

And I agree fully with MM's view on our vulnerability. However, I fear that it may be a partial perspective, and if read without further thought, would be misinterpreted and manifested in completely wrong attitudes among less discerning readers. If any reader walked away thinking that all our neighbouring countries want us dead, and that manifests into hate, and disgust, combined with arrogance towards their jealousy, then we would be in trouble.

The truth is, it may not be in the short-term interests of political leaders of our neighbouring countries to wish us well, and there might well be a genuine case of jealousy and hoping Singapore fails. Having to protect their countries well-being, leaders might resort to measures and policies which are aimed at hurting Singapore. However, the views of leadership do not represent the entire country. Those of us with friends from ASEAN countries, would be able to vouch that many of them have no vendetta against Singapore, in fact, they probably think well of Singapore. While the majority of their fellow countrymen might not share their liking and admiration for us, they would at most be apathetic about the state of international affairs. To say that citizens of our neighbouring countries all wish we fail, would be a gross misrepresentation.

Someone might argue, that in international affairs, it is no use what the majority of the people think, but the thoughts and actions of those in charge. And if upon taking on leadership and the need to safeguard personal interests, leaders of neighbouring countries have to inevitably adopt policies against the interests of Singapore, it doesnt matter what their original attitudes towards Singapore were, before getting into power. Granted the validity in this argument, it doesnt take away the fact that a general mistrust of all our neighbours based on this premise, would only result in further misunderstanding not just at the political, but also the civic/community level.

My takeaway from MM's comments would be, we as Singaporeans will need to be vigilant and committed to the survival of our country, recognising that the neighbouring political climate may not be in our favour as yet. This should be manifested in working hard and striving towards our economic, defense and social needs. On the other hand however, as normal citizens, we should treat our counterparts from neighbouing countries with sincerity and goodwill, and form true friendships with them. Nation states may disagree over short term strategic benefits, but this may one day, be counter-balanced by a cooperative and mutually understanding civic community.