Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/build-more-political-goodwill-bridges-between-singapore-and-11367336
(Updated: )
Ricky Lim
Mr Goh referred to Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s remark on Tuesday that both countries need "at least three to four more bridges" to facilitate border traffic flow.
“Mahathir wants to build more bridges between Malaysia and Singapore. Their cost-benefits should be studied. In the meantime, let us start building more political, goodwill bridges between leaders, Members of Parliament and our two peoples," he said.
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ESM Goh respond of "start building more political, goodwill bridges" - is a good response to Mahathir remark of building 3 or 4 physical bridges.
If there are little trust and goodwill between the 2 sides --- why build more physical bridges - as no additional business, investment or trade will be made.
Then if no mutual benefits are expected --- why waste unnecessary taxpayers' money to build more bridges?
“Mahathir wants to build more bridges between Malaysia and Singapore. Their cost-benefits should be studied. In the meantime, let us start building more political, goodwill bridges between leaders, Members of Parliament and our two peoples," he said.
--
ESM Goh respond of "start building more political, goodwill bridges" - is a good response to Mahathir remark of building 3 or 4 physical bridges.
If there are little trust and goodwill between the 2 sides --- why build more physical bridges - as no additional business, investment or trade will be made.
Then if no mutual benefits are expected --- why waste unnecessary taxpayers' money to build more bridges?
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
If signed agreements and contracts cannot be honoured --- how to talk about joint projects --- knowing that it will "walk away", "dishonor" or "find fault" later in the signed agreement - and then create disputes, disagreements and conflicts.
Look at all the current disputes now ---- most are signed agreements and contracts --- and Mahathir is trying to flip flop, find fault or trying to dishonor the agreements.
If these agreements are still in dispute or "want to dishonor" --- then why talk about building new bridges --- as there are so much distrust, and so lacking in goodwill ---- as if we are so free to handle more and more quarrel with Malaysia?
We will have spend more time in domestic affairs to improve the lives of our people or spend more times with other Countries - who are willing to work with us for mutual benefits.
Look at all the current disputes now ---- most are signed agreements and contracts --- and Mahathir is trying to flip flop, find fault or trying to dishonor the agreements.
If these agreements are still in dispute or "want to dishonor" --- then why talk about building new bridges --- as there are so much distrust, and so lacking in goodwill ---- as if we are so free to handle more and more quarrel with Malaysia?
We will have spend more time in domestic affairs to improve the lives of our people or spend more times with other Countries - who are willing to work with us for mutual benefits.
Like · Reply · 1m · Edited
Eric Koo
Ricky Lim 👍👍👍
Reply · 5h
Ricky Lim
Ricky Lim
用李 - As Political Leaders, they must speak in diplomatic languages.
Because speeches by Political Leaders carry alot of weight.
Thus people must be able to read in between messages - to understand the real underlying meaning of the messages.
Public can speak their heart and mind - but Political Leaders usually are careful with their words.
Because speeches by Political Leaders carry alot of weight.
Thus people must be able to read in between messages - to understand the real underlying meaning of the messages.
Public can speak their heart and mind - but Political Leaders usually are careful with their words.
Like · Reply · 1m
Jewel Superior
I would say no. Malaysia gain more in building more Bridges.
1. Malaysia especially Johor benefits greatly from Singaporean going over for shopping spending and investments. That's why he hope for more Singaporean money pouring over.
2. It creates more congestions for us in the current peak hours situation and I will want to limit that. More Malaysian coming means more vehicle, more jobs to Malaysian which means more outflow of Singapore wealth into Malaysia.
3. As most put in, I don't buy into this Goodwill thing as there is no Goodwill to even begin with when dealing with Malaysia. I believe we all know them far too well to even need to elaborate.
4. Till all past and current agreements are adhere to... We should never ever again buy their words, or to even consider future cooperations.
5. Our government should stand firm on it's ground and that we should relook into diversify majority of our markets to other countries
6. I don't think that after the water agreement in next 50 years Malaysia would even want to supply us water, based on track records they are more glad to exterminate us. I would rather they break agreement now and we have opportunities and mandate to do the necessary.
7. And do not be navie that even with the change of current PM, we should expect some good relationship in future. No! This is not going to happen! The culture of theirs had sunken to such corruption and Idiocracy and especially when they can't accept equality of all races, I say to Singaporean.. Wake up to these facts and truth.
1. Malaysia especially Johor benefits greatly from Singaporean going over for shopping spending and investments. That's why he hope for more Singaporean money pouring over.
2. It creates more congestions for us in the current peak hours situation and I will want to limit that. More Malaysian coming means more vehicle, more jobs to Malaysian which means more outflow of Singapore wealth into Malaysia.
3. As most put in, I don't buy into this Goodwill thing as there is no Goodwill to even begin with when dealing with Malaysia. I believe we all know them far too well to even need to elaborate.
4. Till all past and current agreements are adhere to... We should never ever again buy their words, or to even consider future cooperations.
5. Our government should stand firm on it's ground and that we should relook into diversify majority of our markets to other countries
6. I don't think that after the water agreement in next 50 years Malaysia would even want to supply us water, based on track records they are more glad to exterminate us. I would rather they break agreement now and we have opportunities and mandate to do the necessary.
7. And do not be navie that even with the change of current PM, we should expect some good relationship in future. No! This is not going to happen! The culture of theirs had sunken to such corruption and Idiocracy and especially when they can't accept equality of all races, I say to Singaporean.. Wake up to these facts and truth.
Ricky Lim
Jewel Superior -
(1) It is true that Malaysia will gain more if new bridges are built.
- Because our currency is stronger than theirs by 3 times.
Malaysia will not come to Singapore to shop - because of their weaker currencies. The reverse is true.
- But if they are friendly and genuinely want "mutual benefits" --- not like the current Mahathir that "hate us to the core", "abang-adik mindset", "want to win us at all cost" --- we will also reap some benefits - such as cheaper imports from them especially in their agriculture goods.
- But this goodwill is rupture - when Mahathir want to ban eggs, some fish and shrimps etc at us ---- and we have subsequently want to further diversified our food sources - such as investing in high-end R&D agrifood - to produce our own food as well as look at other markets to buy more food from other Countries.
(2) More bridges mean more congestion in Singapore on our roads is true.
But they will have to pay higher ERP and parking charges to us.
- And if they genuinely want good relationship with us ---- it will mean they can export cheaper goods to us with lesser delay.
- Currently, I doubt Singaporeans are buying more goods from Malaysia given the hostility this Mahathir display to us --- so not much benefits to us.
- Since trade, business, travel, investment won't increase significantly - given that Singaporeans are not doing more in Malaysia - there are no haste to build more bridges.
(3) I will not say all their past PMs (other than Mahathir) has no goodwill or do not want to have mutual benefits with us.
Najib Administration is our good neighbor.
Even Badawi is our good neighbor.
But Mahathir is unfriendly and want to "thumb us down" most of the time --- and we need to be on our guard.
(4) I personally agree with you that until and unless they adhere to all the current agreements they signed with us and resolve all the disputes they raise with us satisfactorily and amicably --- I don't see why we are so eager to jump in to build additional new bridges --- to create more problem for us in the future (bearing in mind that we need to do a "cost and benefit analysis" --- whether it benefit us or not versus the cost of building the bridges. The cost include "factoring the risk on whether they will flip flop on their commitment to build the bridge - or find fault with us even though they sign the agreement with us now."
(5) Singapore don't depend on Malaysia as hinterland.
In fact since 1970s, we have identified the World as our hinterland, our market.
We trade with so many Countries in the World.
We also diversified our investment in many Countries.
We also source our foods from more than 100 over Countries.
We produce our water supplies and diversified our water sources into 4 taps (we are not even worried if Mahathir threaten to cut our water supply from Johor) --- But we can take him to International Court for breaking the Water Agreement if he do.
Economy wise - Malaysia has not much leverages on us. But the reverse is true.
(6) As for the Water Agreement 1962 - we will sue them in the International Court if they want to break the Agreement. The Water Agreement 1962 is tie to the Separation Agreement 1965 - and if they unilaterally break the Water Agreement - it will call into question our Right of Existence and our Sovereignty as an Independent Nation.
Bringing it into the International Court - will be the best solution. (Note :- Barring unforseen circumstances - when any diplomatic solutions threaten our Right of Existence and our Sovereignty as an Independent Nation - I don't think we will rule out Military Actions.
(7) As for who is their future PM and how he want bi-lateral relationship with us --- I feel that we should not jump the gun - before the egg is hatched.
(a) Singapore and Malaysia is afterall neighbors.
No matter how we wish - Malaysia will still be our neighbor.
A good neighbor - is better than a troublesome neighbor.
What happen to Malaysia will indirectly and directly affect us.
In the long run, it is better for us to adopt this foreign policy "Be Friends will All. Adversary with None. Forge mutual benefits with Win-Win outcome".
The above foreign policy principle is still "at the back of our mind" --- even though we have an "unfriendly PM" now.
We need to be "on guard" and "on our toes" --- in case he do anything to harm us.
But in the long run, we still aim to adhere to our foreign policy principle - to have good bilateral relationship with our neighbor when new leaders come on board.
(1) It is true that Malaysia will gain more if new bridges are built.
- Because our currency is stronger than theirs by 3 times.
Malaysia will not come to Singapore to shop - because of their weaker currencies. The reverse is true.
- But if they are friendly and genuinely want "mutual benefits" --- not like the current Mahathir that "hate us to the core", "abang-adik mindset", "want to win us at all cost" --- we will also reap some benefits - such as cheaper imports from them especially in their agriculture goods.
- But this goodwill is rupture - when Mahathir want to ban eggs, some fish and shrimps etc at us ---- and we have subsequently want to further diversified our food sources - such as investing in high-end R&D agrifood - to produce our own food as well as look at other markets to buy more food from other Countries.
(2) More bridges mean more congestion in Singapore on our roads is true.
But they will have to pay higher ERP and parking charges to us.
- And if they genuinely want good relationship with us ---- it will mean they can export cheaper goods to us with lesser delay.
- Currently, I doubt Singaporeans are buying more goods from Malaysia given the hostility this Mahathir display to us --- so not much benefits to us.
- Since trade, business, travel, investment won't increase significantly - given that Singaporeans are not doing more in Malaysia - there are no haste to build more bridges.
(3) I will not say all their past PMs (other than Mahathir) has no goodwill or do not want to have mutual benefits with us.
Najib Administration is our good neighbor.
Even Badawi is our good neighbor.
But Mahathir is unfriendly and want to "thumb us down" most of the time --- and we need to be on our guard.
(4) I personally agree with you that until and unless they adhere to all the current agreements they signed with us and resolve all the disputes they raise with us satisfactorily and amicably --- I don't see why we are so eager to jump in to build additional new bridges --- to create more problem for us in the future (bearing in mind that we need to do a "cost and benefit analysis" --- whether it benefit us or not versus the cost of building the bridges. The cost include "factoring the risk on whether they will flip flop on their commitment to build the bridge - or find fault with us even though they sign the agreement with us now."
(5) Singapore don't depend on Malaysia as hinterland.
In fact since 1970s, we have identified the World as our hinterland, our market.
We trade with so many Countries in the World.
We also diversified our investment in many Countries.
We also source our foods from more than 100 over Countries.
We produce our water supplies and diversified our water sources into 4 taps (we are not even worried if Mahathir threaten to cut our water supply from Johor) --- But we can take him to International Court for breaking the Water Agreement if he do.
Economy wise - Malaysia has not much leverages on us. But the reverse is true.
(6) As for the Water Agreement 1962 - we will sue them in the International Court if they want to break the Agreement. The Water Agreement 1962 is tie to the Separation Agreement 1965 - and if they unilaterally break the Water Agreement - it will call into question our Right of Existence and our Sovereignty as an Independent Nation.
Bringing it into the International Court - will be the best solution. (Note :- Barring unforseen circumstances - when any diplomatic solutions threaten our Right of Existence and our Sovereignty as an Independent Nation - I don't think we will rule out Military Actions.
(7) As for who is their future PM and how he want bi-lateral relationship with us --- I feel that we should not jump the gun - before the egg is hatched.
(a) Singapore and Malaysia is afterall neighbors.
No matter how we wish - Malaysia will still be our neighbor.
A good neighbor - is better than a troublesome neighbor.
What happen to Malaysia will indirectly and directly affect us.
In the long run, it is better for us to adopt this foreign policy "Be Friends will All. Adversary with None. Forge mutual benefits with Win-Win outcome".
The above foreign policy principle is still "at the back of our mind" --- even though we have an "unfriendly PM" now.
We need to be "on guard" and "on our toes" --- in case he do anything to harm us.
But in the long run, we still aim to adhere to our foreign policy principle - to have good bilateral relationship with our neighbor when new leaders come on board.
Jewel Superior
Ricky Lim very good detail analysis from you as always thumbs up! I agree with it as well ^^
ESM Goh's suggestion to "build political, goodwill bridges" should show positive outcomes like :-
(1) resolve water agreement dispute
(2) resolve port limit boundary dispute
(3) resolve airspace dispute
(4) keep Woodland Causeway bridges and water pipes status quo
(5) restart RTS rail
(6) resolve HSR
Only after all the above issues - are resolved through political, goodwill bridges --- then we can study the "cost-&-benefit" of the need to build "new bridges".
Because all the above issues - are manifestation of "ill-will" towards us showing all kinds of :-
(1) abang-adik attitude
(2) i win-you lose (to win at all cost) attitude.
(1) resolve water agreement dispute
(2) resolve port limit boundary dispute
(3) resolve airspace dispute
(4) keep Woodland Causeway bridges and water pipes status quo
(5) restart RTS rail
(6) resolve HSR
Only after all the above issues - are resolved through political, goodwill bridges --- then we can study the "cost-&-benefit" of the need to build "new bridges".
Because all the above issues - are manifestation of "ill-will" towards us showing all kinds of :-
(1) abang-adik attitude
(2) i win-you lose (to win at all cost) attitude.
Like · Reply · 1m
Ricky Lim
The above should be done based on :-
(1) Mutual Respect (not "abang-adik" mindset)
(2) Mutual Benefits (not "want to win at all cost" - "i win, you lose" attitude)
If the above issues cannot be resolve amicably --- then I don't see how we have political bridges and goodwill bridges ---- to see the need for building more bridges (bearing the outcome of "cost and benefit analysis" to determine whether new bridges are needed.)
(1) Mutual Respect (not "abang-adik" mindset)
(2) Mutual Benefits (not "want to win at all cost" - "i win, you lose" attitude)
If the above issues cannot be resolve amicably --- then I don't see how we have political bridges and goodwill bridges ---- to see the need for building more bridges (bearing the outcome of "cost and benefit analysis" to determine whether new bridges are needed.)
Swee Meng Ling
Who is taking Mahathir words seriously, and responding to his song singing ? Lau Goh, are you in Mars all this while, come on.
Like · Reply · 3m
陈别问
forever never forget his crooked bridge, if this M from the north likes to play with crooked bridge so much, then just builds as many as he likes in penang as penang is part of Malaysia but Singapore is not lah.
Mr.Goh wanted to build more good will but he seemed has forgotten that u need two hands to clap.
in fact, it is better to adopt making friends with the world but be on high alert in defend to the near north.
As Singapore has aldy been pretty congested, it is foolish to build more bridges to facililate more ppl to flood Singapore to the extent of unbearable.
Mr.Goh wanted to build more good will but he seemed has forgotten that u need two hands to clap.
in fact, it is better to adopt making friends with the world but be on high alert in defend to the near north.
As Singapore has aldy been pretty congested, it is foolish to build more bridges to facililate more ppl to flood Singapore to the extent of unbearable.
Guna Shekeran Vijayan
No political will no bridges with current political problems with air and sea and water issues more bridges is not a solution. Good relations with both the countries is as good as building bridges.
Like · Reply · 5m
KT Tan
Please lah. Later build halfway then want to withdraw from agreement how? His sataying is already destroying the goodwill trust from many.
Sharil Bin Saharudin
All the goodwill have come from Singapore. Some examples:
We refrained from using force when Msia sent harbour vessels into disputed waters.
Despite incurring heavy losses, we agreed to delay the new railway link project between the 2 countries at Msia's request becoz of its financial difficulties.
We provide treated water to Johore in excess of water agreements stipulations and at no extra charge in light of drought conditions there.
We recovered & repatriated back to Msia, billions of ringgit of 1MDB loot here from the Ah Jib & Jho Low gang. Whereas the 1MDB loot in US, are still being tied up in the courts there. We continue to cooperate with KL over 1MDB.
So now, its time for KL to reciprocate by among things:
Negotiate with us IN GOOD FAITH,
Continue to live up to existing agreements,
Stop falsely badmouthing us like we, refusing to build bridges or that we are immorally buying raw water at 3 sen (while conveniently omitting the fact that, in return, we sell treated water back to Msia at way below cost, as stipulated in the water agreements).
We refrained from using force when Msia sent harbour vessels into disputed waters.
Despite incurring heavy losses, we agreed to delay the new railway link project between the 2 countries at Msia's request becoz of its financial difficulties.
We provide treated water to Johore in excess of water agreements stipulations and at no extra charge in light of drought conditions there.
We recovered & repatriated back to Msia, billions of ringgit of 1MDB loot here from the Ah Jib & Jho Low gang. Whereas the 1MDB loot in US, are still being tied up in the courts there. We continue to cooperate with KL over 1MDB.
So now, its time for KL to reciprocate by among things:
Negotiate with us IN GOOD FAITH,
Continue to live up to existing agreements,
Stop falsely badmouthing us like we, refusing to build bridges or that we are immorally buying raw water at 3 sen (while conveniently omitting the fact that, in return, we sell treated water back to Msia at way below cost, as stipulated in the water agreements).
AY Lim
M does not grasp subtleties. Tell him directly and strongly that we do not want more concrete bridges and that what he should do is stop toying or playing politics with Singapore. And we also hope that he will stop agitating Malaysians and Singaporeans against the Singapore State and stop using Singapore as a bogeyman or punching bag. Tell him we have done our part as a good neighbour but it takes two hands to clap. Tell him we find his ways are not friendly at all to provide a strong basis for good relations.
TanChin
Dogter M don't understand human language. SG gov has used 4 official languages to no avail in every of his tyrants. The only thing he know his fist, which LKY had famously warned him, the day he off the tap is the day his KL house raided by SAF. Work like magic, never fart again for next 20yrs until LKY death.
Reply · 2h
Gesus Low
Dr.M said he do not understand why Singapore do not want more bridgers. Simply because his "mind is crooked" like the bridge he proposed!
We know that he do not have the right attitude in his soul, especially when he thinks he is dealing with a "Chinese country".
He is a racist and unless he change his DNA or GENES via "EPIGENETICS OR CRISPR", there will not be anymore new bridgers in his lifetime, PERIOD!
The people of Malaysia knows that we have always tried to work out "WIN WIN WIN" agreements. However, he just cannot live with a prosperous "small little red dot"!
Whatever ideas he has, please bring it to his next resting place, his "GRAVE!"
Let's not waste our time dealing with a "Bad arsk"!
Wait for a "NEW MALAYSIAN LEADER!"
We know that he do not have the right attitude in his soul, especially when he thinks he is dealing with a "Chinese country".
He is a racist and unless he change his DNA or GENES via "EPIGENETICS OR CRISPR", there will not be anymore new bridgers in his lifetime, PERIOD!
The people of Malaysia knows that we have always tried to work out "WIN WIN WIN" agreements. However, he just cannot live with a prosperous "small little red dot"!
Whatever ideas he has, please bring it to his next resting place, his "GRAVE!"
Let's not waste our time dealing with a "Bad arsk"!
Wait for a "NEW MALAYSIAN LEADER!"
Dan L WT
Any head are Rolling or solution fpr prevention for the leak data on blood donor. Stop talking cocks on national issue which own country social can't even solve. 😴
TanChin
Since when head rolls for any wrongs under pinky?
Now more leaking of gov site email details in latest report. Since Indian cheats of no qualification under CECA flood in to takeover IT & gov, data thief & hacking are prevalence, what a coincidence. It happens in US too, often link to H1B indians.
Now more leaking of gov site email details in latest report. Since Indian cheats of no qualification under CECA flood in to takeover IT & gov, data thief & hacking are prevalence, what a coincidence. It happens in US too, often link to H1B indians.
Reply · 3h
Chong Andy Kok Weng
This old Horse like to twist his words. Just like roti prata.
Singapore needs true friend and not someone can't be trust, even though we're neighbour.
Mr. Goh ask yourself, does Dr M cherish our neighbourhood friendship?
Singapore needs true friend and not someone can't be trust, even though we're neighbour.
Mr. Goh ask yourself, does Dr M cherish our neighbourhood friendship?
Georgie Lee
With that 93 year old snake as PM it is near impossible. Remember, he has never respected our late LKY. Not even coming to Singapore to pay his last respect to him. Look when Najib was the PM it was so brotherly. Now with this 93 year old snake hell broke loose.
Jim Ihope
Dr.M,show due respect to our Singapore leaders. Our leaders are not from "SCHOLAR KAMPONG AYAM!"
How do you have the audacity to say we do not want more bridges and that you do not understand? Either you are having "BRAIN CRAMP" or pre "PARKINSON'S DISEASE!"
The bridge you propose was to demolish the woodlands causeway, when it was un-necessary. But the motive was incoherent & you hide it behind the crooked bridge. It was as crooked as your DNA!
We are Singaporeans and we do not believe in shooting our own foot.
Please stop insulting our intelligence!
Take a break,go on a cruise in "EQUANIMITY" with JHO LOW, please! RIP!
How do you have the audacity to say we do not want more bridges and that you do not understand? Either you are having "BRAIN CRAMP" or pre "PARKINSON'S DISEASE!"
The bridge you propose was to demolish the woodlands causeway, when it was un-necessary. But the motive was incoherent & you hide it behind the crooked bridge. It was as crooked as your DNA!
We are Singaporeans and we do not believe in shooting our own foot.
Please stop insulting our intelligence!
Take a break,go on a cruise in "EQUANIMITY" with JHO LOW, please! RIP!
I. HOPE
ESM GOH! Due respect to you, you are absolutely right. Bridge of friendship & cooperation is most important.
Tell Dr.M to also go back to school to learn about,honour,honesty,integrity,meritocracy & equality!
Otherwise let him RIP! SOONER PLEASE!
Tell Dr.M to also go back to school to learn about,honour,honesty,integrity,meritocracy & equality!
Otherwise let him RIP! SOONER PLEASE!
Like · Reply · 1h
Georgie Tan
Why is he talking so often. Election coming? Afraid people might forget him. But forgotten him long time already.
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