I was perplexed to read Collins Chong Yew Keat’s letter concerning Malaysia’s relationship with China which seems to encourage confrontation based on speculation on the so-called behaviour of China and advocating a security alliance with the West, instead of promoting peaceful coexistence that would be possible with dialogue.
He seems to have come up with a speculative theory on why Malaysia should stand up to China rather than addressing the issue of motives and conflict between China and the US over the South China Sea in an objective manner and providing moral solutions related to coexistence.
There is an air of distrust and prejudice towards China among some quarters, and this certainly does not help in resolving long-term issues affecting the region.
According to the writer, Malaysia does not share other regional players’ strategic wisdom and manoeuvre in opening up for more US security assurances, and this is the area where Beijing is exploiting the most.
He speculates by stating that Beijing uses this as a two-pronged win-win approach.
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First of all, it would potentially agree to a more accommodative stance and a toned-down approach in dealing with the dispute with Malaysia, which might mean a toned-down presence of coast guard vessels. This is with the hope of buying trust and giving goodwill in trying to secure Malaysia’s commitment and confidence in seeing China as a genuine and historically long-lasting socio-cultural and vital economic partner.
With the larger aim of getting Malaysian buy-in and ensuring Beijing’s moves in the South China Sea will not backfire and push Malaysia further into the West’s orbit, China will likely not squander too much of an opening that will threaten its South China Sea claims.
The writer encourages Malaysia to be strategically aligned with the US, which he believes is the protector of a rules-based system – which is completely ridiculous.
One has to go into facts about how the US defied international law when it invaded Iraq and continues to support the Zionist regime that defies every international resolution on the Palestinians.
The never-ending wars in the Middle East are a consequence of the so-called rules-based system of the West led by the US.
On the Malaysian side, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim advocates dialogue, and it basically helps in a certain way to build trust while acknowledging that it would not be easy.
There are things that Collins has said right which I agree with. For example, Malaysia needs to stand firm on its interests, rights, and sovereignty on the territorial rights and the rightful owner of the oil and gas assets in the disputed areas, and it is critical to fully galvanise our cards and strategic moves in dealing with this crucial issue.
My main point of disagreement with the writer is his insistence on Malaysia coming under the security of the West. This is equivalent to a cold war mentality – which would certainly not bring China to its knees.
A cold war mentality would only encourage an arms race in the region – and this would be against the common good of the people of Asia.
An American-led security alliance in Asia is not keen on preserving peace in a real sense. It is there to ensure there is no threat to America’s supreme hegemony – which China and Russia and independent-minded nations are not in favour of.
Besides, the issue involving the South China Sea would require a collective voice among Asian governments. Malaysia cannot negotiate alone where there is an asymmetrical relationship with China.
Asean, working in solidarity to protect its sovereign rights within the scope of international law in the South China Sea dispute, is a better option.
Malaysia should protect its sovereignty when comes to territorial rights, which is non-negotiable. But it cannot take sides in a geopolitical conflict between China and the US.
It cannot act on speculation, but based on the real motives and behaviour of the superpowers, whether it is the US or China.
The country cannot be a pawn to any superpower, and Anwar has made it clear. Hopefully, this will be translated to action.
Malaysia should contribute to the common good of the region and not align itself with any superpower based on speculation and propaganda.
In this regard, the writer basically contributes to a cold war mentality. – Malaysiakini
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