The fallout from the recent Wikileaks disclosures continues despite efforts by BN politicians to contain the diplomatic and political damage. It may not be that apparent to ministers, but the public does have a dim view of any politician(s) who is slow in springing to the country’s defence.
Singapore had described Malaysia of being “in decline”, of being “dangerous” and “confused” and of suffering “racial conflict”, but our government officials have been woefully slow to respond. It took them two days to counteract the disclosures published on Wikileaks.
Even then, one Malaysian government official said that it would be best to wait for Singapore’s explanation before any reaction was given.
He said, “I am sure Singapore will explain soon enough. I am sure some people are already embarrassed with the leak.”
When a few more ministers finally opened up, they said nothing to defend the Malaysian people. They only sought to defend their own positions.
On the fourth day, Prime minister Najib Abdul Razak also failed to come to the defense of the Malaysian people.
He only sought to calm investor confidence.
At the official opening of a solar panel factory, Najib alluded to the Wikileaks disclosures: “I assure you that Malaysia is not run by incompetent politicians but by very competent politicians.”
Wikileaks revealed how in September 2008, Kausikan, a senior foreign affairs official, told the Americans that the “situation in neighbouring Malaysia is confused and dangerous”, fuelled by “a distinct possibility of racial conflict” that could see ethnic Chinese “flee” Malaysia and “overwhelm” Singapore.
The Malaysian people strongly object to his perception of Malaysia. Most of the people, from whatever race or religion, especially those who are not in parliament, get on well with each other.
The racial conflict is stirred up by former Prime minister Mahathir Mohamed and perpetuated by various Malay extremists in the various non-governmental organisations.
Racist policies of the government do not help. For some Umno politicians, Malay unity comes first, national unity comes second.
Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his ministry was closely monitoring its system to ensure no leakage of internal information.
“We are constantly updating and monitoring confidential information to ensure no leakage occurs. So far, nothing was found from military intelligence”.
“If we find that the leakage was from internal sources, it is a serious offence and offenders can be charged under the OSA (Official Secrets Act)”.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Mukhriz Mahathir said the leaks were disturbing as it raised security concerns.
“This gives us an insight into the workings of the powers-that-be in some neighbouring countries, but I'm also curious to know what other things will be disclosed further.”
Zahid and Mukhriz were commenting on the Wikileaks claim that the sodomy case was a “set-up job” and that Anwar did engage in sodomy.
But it appears both men were not curious enough to question Kausikan's comments: “Najib has his neck on the line in connection with a high-profile murder case”.
Menawhile, Umno Youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin, said he was 'concerned' by the leverage that the leaked documents could induce.
“If it is indeed true that Singapore intelligence shared information with Australian intelligence which implicates him in the act of sodomy, this information can be used against Anwar, who is obviously presenting himself as PM-in-waiting.
“If ever he is allowed to become PM, this will be used as leverage against him and will have great implications on our sovereignty due to his dark personal secrets.
“If foreign intelligence have information that corroborates this, it is dangerous to consider him as the prime minister,” Khairy was quoted as saying.
Khairy, too, overlooked the elephant in the room – Kausikan’s comment that “Najib has his neck on the line in connection with a high-profile murder case”.
Khairy referred to “leverage” and “dark secrets”. Surely, the same reasons why Anwar cannot be Prime minister should also apply to Najib.
Pasir Mas MP, Ibrahim Ali, claimed not to be surprised by the WikiLeaks' revelations.
He said, “There is nothing much for me to say”.
Normally we would rejoice at Ibrahim’s silence.
It seems that he too has not noticed the elephant in the room – Kausikan’s allegations about Najib and ‘that’ murder.
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