The U.S. Senate agreed by a unanimous decision on Monday to hold back $1.2 million in military training aid to Malaysia as a reaction to Dr Mahathir's speech at the recent OIC meeting. While the The Bush administration surprisingly distanced itself from the Senate decision, Mahathir gave the news the 2 second attention it deserved, observing the fact that Malaysians could easily afford the shortfall.
Jeff Ooi writes:
Keep your money, you BIG BULLY!
Malaysians tell the US that our national prode is worth more than US$1.2 million. One Ringgit from each citizen will more than cover that military aid which comes with so many strings attached...
I couldn't agree more.
The point is lost because not only is the amount insignificant, it casts a serious shadow of doubt over the US' commitment to the so-called war on terror. Like it or not, Malaysia has been a relatively active ally up to this point and while US$ 1 million does little to dent our contry's military, it sends the wrong signal to a land that is universally recognised as the flagship of moderate Islam. Does it mean that we are to stand on the other side of the fence?
The action by the US senate is more juvenile than helpful. Unfortunately, by disassociating themselves from this action, the Bush Administration only demonstrates a political naivety that will probably be Dubya's legacy.
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