Friday, February 7, 2014

Endangering Our Nation

KRI Usman Harun 359 is on the right
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and Foreign Minister Shanmugam are all simultaneously saying that naming an Indonesian warship after two marines who parachuted into Singapore at a time of war would reopen old wounds. What they should really reflect upon is what Lee Kuan Yew had hoped to achieve when he shocked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono with the uncalled for commentary that SBY could only achieve one third of what he set out to do for his country.

Usman Hj Mohd Ali and Harun Said were obeying orders from their military commanders when they planted 25 lbs of explosive at MacDonald House in Orchard Road on March 10, 1965. During the Konfrontasi, there were 37 bombs exploded in Singapore. For their bravery and supreme sacrifice, president Soeharto honoured them with a state funeral at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta. A National University of Singapore don put it in perspective, "It's perfectly all right and normal to name ships after the heroes of the nation."

Two other ships expected to enter service in June are named KRI Bung Tomo 357, after Sutomo, who led the popular resistance against Allied British and Dutch forces in the Battle of Surabaya in November 1945; and KRI John Lie 358, after John Lie who smuggled agricultural produce to buy and smuggle arms from Malaya to assist the Indonesian independence struggle against the Dutch from 1945 to 1949. Lie completed his career in the navy with a rank of rear admiral.

This is not the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the controversial Yasukuni Jinja (Shrine) that created uproar both in China and South Korea. Of the 2,466,532 people contained in the shrine's Book of Souls, 1,068 were convicted of war crimes by a post World War II court, 14 of which are Class A war criminals.

Ensconced in their ivory towers, the paper generals thought a sprinkle of flowers on the soldiers' graves would soothe old wounds. They thought a simple telephone call could change the Indonesians' resolve to name the navy frigate KRI Usman Harun. They never even considered a personal visit to talk things over - even Vivian Balakhrishnan had to play dispatch boy to deliver a letter over the haze issue. They are too used to lording over mere mortals. Their super-ego is our nation's greatest liability.

Relations between Indonesia and Singapore reached a nadir in the late 1990s when B.J. Habibie famously conferred the sobriquet of “little red dot” after some big mouth said the rupiah would fall if Habibie was elected president. Ties are supposed to have improved considerably in recent years under the stewardship of Lee Hsien Loong, notwithstanding the inconvenient mention in Yudhoyono's book "Selalu Ada Pilihan" (There Is Always A Choice).

42 comments:

  1. It is always a sad thing that citizens have to die in a war because of some stupid leader's bad foreign policy.

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    1. Sad, yes... but sometimes standing for what we believe in has a price. Lives lost is always painful. But if it comes to shove & push.. and threat to our beliefs, what we value, we need to stand and sometimes, push back... something like what the Gov is doing to the people... importing foreigners. And if they do not listen and continue... I will stand and push back. If it still continues or continues in different clothes... well... the highest price paid is my life.

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    2. Singapore is demanding Indonesia to change their warship's name's.

      Yes there's a sensitive issue in the name itself. But before Singapore make it news, the Usman Harun name is not that known in Indonesia.

      Remember, Indonesia is not pushing Singapore to do anything...it's Singapore who demand Indonesia to do a thing.

      I wonder, if the warships is Rusia , Japan , Arab , US or Iran - Would Singapore complain in the same manner ?

      Unlike Singapore, with less experienced with conflict - Indonesia is actually experiencing in so many conflict. Say, the movement in May98, conflict in Aceh, conflict in Papua.

      Or civilian conflict with dayak tribe vs Madura tribes in Kalimantan, and so many here and there...(not to mention conflict during early years like Permesta, DI/TII and others). In other word, Indonesia people can sometimes become so militant even for a simple reason.

      It is a something that most people don't understand...how come a country with a smiling people, so friendly ..but in one point, could become so angry & militant and do an unthinkable things..(the word "amok" is came from this one).

      Back to this case, sensitive , yes ! Something to die for...I doubt. Gotta work it out, yes we have to !Blowing it up ..nope, it's unwise !



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  2. How about renaming one of the navy's frigates The RSS Lim Bo Seng, to honour one of our fallen heroes? It is not done because it would affect the sensivities of the Japanese, who tortured and murdered him; or because it would remind one old coot of his nefarious activities; or because this government is so caught up in it's struggle to achieve GDP growth that honour and heroism are swept under the carpet? It is truly ironic that a country that executed the combatants of another country would take umbrage at how that country wishes to honour it's fallen heroes.

    How "insensitive and unfriendly" was the Singapore government when it brushed aside their protests at Singapore's online spying on it's neighbours, saying "Spying reports won't hurt ties with neighbours"? Has our Foreign Minister forgotten his own words: “Nevertheless, there’s such a thing as domestic politics in all three countries.”?

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    1. Only one hero ALLOWED. Only one national narrative ALLOWED. Just read HIS glory books.

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    2. I am thinking something even more spectacular. Erect a statue near Marina Bay Sands Hotel a statue higher looking across the Strait with both hands outstretches "GIMMIE YOUR Money.”
      "Lim Bo Seng, to honour one of our fallen heroes?"

      The statue of course is LKY "Father of Singapore.” All basted must pay yearly homage to the shrine.

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  3. Well observed Mr Tattler.

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  4. The highest paid PM and ministers must bear in mind that we are a little red dot, and always will be one.

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    1. Some like to eat pi sai

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    2. Goreng pi sai belly good for rich citizens. Got potassium. Us poor folks can only look but not touch.

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  5. Sensitivities aside,our leaders with their hubris behave towards our neighbours in the same manner and with the same arrogance towards the citizens. The believe that our armed forces are a deterrent. Time will tell if they are up to the mark. In the meantime it would be wise not to ratchet the whole thing up. As for heroes and villains is not the fact that LKY putting flowers at their grave sites an acknowledgement that they are heroes? If Ng and Teo had not raised the issue the whole episode would have gone unnoticed even by the families of those killed as evidenced by their silence. Trying to be heroes for them puts the nation in peril of a confrontation.

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    1. "LKY putting flowers at their grave sites" in 1973, did not "reopen old wounds", like the feelings of the families of the 3 Singaporeans who died? And now the actions of the Indonesians in honouring their heroes would?

      It is dangerous misplaced jingoism by our leaders, trying to drum up political support by raising nationalistic feelings, and deflecting anti-government sentiments by creating a boogeyman. Such ploys, prior to elections, usually backfire and result in their own embarrassment.

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    2. Anon 9.33 am. agreed
      LKY visiting the grave sites may be akin to Shinzo Abe worhipping at the Yasakuni Shrine.
      Singapore MFA even sent a protest note after China and Korea without realising our own hypocrisy.

      http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/singapore-regrets-japanese-prime-ministers-visit-yasukuni-shrine-minis

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    3. Did LKY sprinkle flowers on the graves of the 3 Singaporeans who died?

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  6. Why with the brouhaha? Is it because independent Singapore has no war heroes to honour? Oh yes, the only official 'hero' is LKY. But one should not be depressed as you can also pay your way to 'hero' status in Singapore. Think KTPH, NTFH and NUS College of Alice and Peter Tan.

    One has to question the real motive of Sham 'opening old wounds' when as far as the old 'hero' is concerned, the episode was closed when he paid respect to the dead marines. Perhaps this is another pathetic attempt to draw appreciation from Singaporeans for the peace and security the pap government has provided over the years. Talk about propaganda placement in a political drama.

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  7. Would we be alarmed if the Filipino community in Singapore decides to name some building after Flor Contemplacion?

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  8. PAP Political Joke
    ---------------------------------
    Q: What do the PRC Chinese call a Chinese guy working for the Imperial Japanese Army in World War Two?
    A: Traitor

    Q: What do Singaporeans call a Chinese guy working for the Imperial Japanese Army in World War Two?
    A: Prime Minister

    Q: What do the India's Indians call an Indian guy working for the Imperial Japanese Army in World War Two?
    A: Traitor

    Q: What do Singaporeans call an Indian guy working for the Imperial Japanese Army in World War Two?
    A: Mr President.




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    1. Q: What do you call a Singapore Singaporean?
      A1: A non-protected endangered species.
      A2: A mythical creature.
      A3: A cash cow.

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  9. At different times, there are different diplomacies.
    Lee Kuan Yew was respectfully full of praise and reverrence for Suharto and rushed to visit him before the Latter expired.
    Why the unhappiness now?

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  10. It is kind Of funny that those that worked for the Japanese during WW 2 are considered Founding Father and Most Charitable President by Singaporeans.
    Indonesian Government and their people have rightfully honour their Heroes.
    Any problem?

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  11. There could be better responses from the many Other Ex-army Generals in the Cabinet.

    patriot

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  12. Aiyoh...at that time....we are Malaysian..and if the Malaysian government is not interested..why bother...who knows about this..until they highlighted this...

    What a waste of time..and we give them millions to talk about this...and not about the welfare of the people..

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  13. They might have 'confrontasi-ed" our buildings.
    But the Japs have also 'sook ching-ed' more people.

    So I expect to hear from our Ministers taking a rebuke against the Japanese pushing to enshrine 300 letters written by kamikaze pilots during WWII to be listed as UN Heritage items?

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  14. I thought our leaders even advised the PRC to move on and not be over-excited over the Japanese leaders' controversial shrine visits.

    So why is Kee Chiu now so unhappy and be so hypocrite for what ?

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    1. Chan Chun Sing had spent two years in Jakarta as Singapore's Army Attache there, and claimed he had made many Indonesian friends during that time. Quite obviously, the proof is not found in the pudding. More likely, he was as unpopular in Indonesia as he is now in Singapore.

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  15. IINM....Indonesia pleaded to Singapore not to execute both Usman & Harun but their pleas were not heard. Both were eventually executed. And now Singapore raised the concern to Indonesia over the naming of the 2 marines (regarded as heroes of the nation) to navy ship. How ironic.

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  16. Two possible reasons why the Indonesian military is naming an Indonesian warship after the two 'terrorist' marines:
    1. Elections on the cards as Yudhoyono is stepping down this year after serving two terms.
    2. The military is testing the reactions of the Singapore government and how SAF will react.

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    1. 3. To snub the Singapore government for it's high handed attitute when it rebuffed their appeals to stay the execution of the 2 marines. So our government must be sotong to protest this.

      4. To truly honour their heroes prior to elections as part of nation building. Regrettably our government is devoid of such gratitude towards it's own war heroes and heroines, except towards it's sycophants. How to build a nation?

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    2. SAF 2nd Lt Tay is busy studying tender documents to supply 2,000 units of pc mouse. He has been warned not to give favour or else they will court marshall him.

      His girlfriend works at Sim Lim Sq... Lt Tay is really having a difficult job. Indonesia is the last thing on his mind.. including Malaysia.

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    3. 1.Yudhoyono have no tinterest, he can't be re-elected anyway, already 2 times president.
      2.Military doesn't bother to test for Singapore, If they have some concern, it'll be to some really serious threat terorism (Indonesia have a special task force densus88 - a lot of real case there) , not Singapore.

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  17. Right, WHY DID THEY HANG THEM..they should let them go...and we will have not problem lah...

    It is this government..who is trying to create problem for us local Singaporeans....They allow foreingers and given them scholarship to lord over us...

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  18. Why not just name a PAP scholarship fund after the two Indonesian war heroes. To be given out to deserving Indonesian students to study in our universities.
    And PAP can also spin the story.
    We pay for your expenses.
    And you take revenge by taking up uni places that would otherwise go to Singaporean students.

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    1. You can bet hundreds of Indonesians have been here on scholarships, enjoyed the free board and lodging, and now back in Jakarta cheering for Usman and Harun.

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  19. Singaporeans didn't mind the indonesian ship to be named whichever the indonesia's govt deemed fit. Reason being, we have already lost our Home country to influx of foreigners. If we have been invaded physically and emotionally here in Singapore, we don't really care how and what indonesia do to their ships. Like the prevous post mentioned, those indonesians who were cheering their own heros have been given enough of scholarships and properties to make our own local singaporeans suffer neglect by PAP. You support them here but cry foul about what they did in their own land. Irony at best.

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  20. Let's be very clear.
    The name of the Indonesian ship is a PAP problem.
    It is not a Singaporean problem.

    PAP government may have a problem with the name.
    I don't think Singaporeans have a problem with the name.

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    1. I don't think majority of Singaporeans have a problem if the Indons use Ah loong and his bunch of stooges for target practice.....

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  21. Jialat. Most Singaporeans not bothered with the ship naming. So why our leeders make a fuss? Afterall its just a name. Just like the tudung issue, it's only a piece of cloth to cover the head. In fact, it's both neat and tidy. So why the ban? PAP nothing better to do, is it?

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  22. Does moral exists in war?
    From espionage to weapon invention and actual battle, what morale is there.
    Maybe, it is all just in war and in love in that nothing is too mean.
    Destroy, killing and decimating the enemy is the only job of soldiers.
    The Two Indonesians military men were arrested and executed according. They paid with their lives and are honoured by their nation for their sacrifices. They deserves the Honour from their countrymen.

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  23. Too many Generals in the cabinet?
    "Give a small boy a hammer, and he will find that everything he encounters needs pounding."

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_the_instrument

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  24. High salaries they don't give us.
    Good jobs they give to foreigners.
    Shit things like national service they give to Singaporeans

    And now they call us to support them in a potential conflict with Indonesia?
    Why not they call the foreigners?
    Good they don't call us.
    Shit then they call us.
    Bastards!

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  25. Raising the ante? "A top Indonesian naval officer and other military staff have been told that their invitations to the Singapore Airshow had been cancelled."

    We have a morally bankrupt government, using the opportunity of this incident to gain political mileage, whilst creating unnecessary tension between ourselves and Indonesia. With this government, we will need to arm ourselves to the teeth, paying an arm and a leg for this, to defend against erstwhile friends.

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    1. A country of 6 million population.
      3 million of which are newly minted citizens.
      Picking a quarrel with a neighbouring country of 200 million?

      LKY ideology has turned the PAPigs into idiots.

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