Reflective conderns
Singaporeans are angry when Mahathir wants to "skin" their country; young liberals dislike his "dictatorial" style - but his impending retirement also causes concerns. By Seah Chiang Nee
Jul 8, 2002

AFTER a period of uncertainty, Singaporeans are at last convinced that Malaysia is on the verge of a historic leadership change.

Like Malaysians, Singaporeans were shocked two weeks ago when Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad made an emotional announcement at the Umno general assembly that he was quitting as Prime Minister, and later withdrew the decision.

This stirred up suspicion among many Singaporeans that it was an effort to test the ground for forthcoming elections.

But since his post-holiday press conference, the truth has sunk in. He is really leaving!

Public cynicism has turned to reflective concerns.

Quick to air them was Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, who welcomed the 16-month transition period, saying it would be difficult for Southeast Asia to withstand more political uncertainty at this time.

The immediate fear of the business community here was a possible loss of political and economic confidence in Malaysia, which had, in recent months, been strengthening.

The sudden departure without sufficient preparation, investors had feared, might unleash a power struggle within Umno and other parties in Barisan Nasional that will have economic repercussions.

The concerns have dissipated – at least for now.

Until next October, Dr Mahathir will be around to ensure a smooth changeover.

Bad for terror war

More importantly, Singaporeans see his impending exit as a negative development in the region’s fight to contain Islamic militancy and to prevent al-Qaeda terrorists from establishing a foothold.

With Singapore now a target, the people’s biggest fear is a terrorist attack. This view has been strengthened by reports that al-Qaeda is trying to establish its forces in the region.

Another crucial concern in Singapore is how strong Mahathir’s successor will be in dealing with racial and religious extremism, in particular PAS.

Singaporeans have become more suspicious of this party ever since its leaders came to Singapore to raise funds and promote the cause of four Muslim schoolgirls who were refused admission for wearing tudung.

Actually, Singaporeans have a mixed view of the 76-year-old premier.

Some are annoyed whenever he talks of “skinning Singapore.” Young liberal Singaporeans, who hit out at authoritarianism in Singapore, say he is equally dictatorial.

But the majority of Singaporeans see him as the creator of modern Malaysia and admire him as a force of moderation.

Many view him as a courageous leader who treks where others fear to even talk about.

During his rule, he has moved from one battle to another, from extremism in race, language and religion to changing the Constitution to control excesses of sultans.

His latest tirade against Malays who over-depend on ethnic rights, who can survive only by leaning “on crutches,” won him a large accolade among Singaporeans.

What he said has also some impact on a small group of Malay Singaporeans who have begun to talk of being “marginalised” and hankering after the same ethnic rights in Malaysia.

Above all, Dr Mahathir is admired here for transforming Malaysia from a backward, agricultural country into a modern, industrial nation. Nothing impresses Singaporeans more than economic success.

Residing in a smallish state, Singaporeans have always taken a larger interest in world affairs than most other people.

The reason for this is that its own welfare (or misfortune) depends more on external factors than on domestic ones.

Any change in leadership in Malaysia and Indonesia, in particular, is of major concern to Singaporeans. Some of their comments in chat-sites reflect their feelings.

Cwslim: “Mahathir has gained in this way ... bountifully, by stepping into history not as a good or a bad man but a great leader!”

Chenchow: “On Dr Mahathir’s resignation, I would say that if one has watched the live telecast, one can’t help but have to admit that it is definitely not sandiwara (acting). I would say that he has a lot of feeling towards the country that he has built.

“For the past few years, one can see that – KLIA, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Sentral, Express Rail Link (Southeast Asia’s fastest railway), Tanjung Pelepas Port. And he has introduced meritocracy and implemented English as the medium of instruction in schools. Kudos to Dr Mahathir!

“We in Singapore may not like to accept the fact that he has done so much for Malaysia and in many aspects Malaysia has surpassed Singapore.”

Bam2: “I respect Dr Mahathir for what he stands for, his guts to talk directly to Western counterparts. Whether it was a political ploy or not, it showed a human side to Dr M and that can only be good.

“He has indeed kept to his word about bringing progress to Malaysia. Granted he has not made all the right decisions about Malaysia but mostly he has made the right decisions for Malaysia.”

Cedarwood: “Dr Mahathir is a brave man and a visionary. I would even say that he is a hero for Malaysia.

“But after going through successive tribulations, I think it is very wise of him to step down. After all, there is still plenty of life left outside politics. My best wishes to him.”

A whole generation of Singaporeans has grown up with a fair understanding of Malaysia, its politics, economics and racial policies.

Young and old, they have long realised that what serves their interests best is a modernist, moderate Malay leadership.

Dr Mahathir’s choice as successor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, fits the bill nicely. He is viewed here as a moderate, clean living and devout Muslim.

However, no two leaders are alike, however much they agree on policies. Until October next year, Singaporeans expect few policy changes.

After that, it will depend on how well the new man at the helm and his colleagues in government can work together – and, of course, how the nation responds to them.

(This article was originally headlined "Concern from across the Causeway" and first published in the The Star, Malaysia on July 6, 2002.)