LETTER | The visit of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to China has been disastrous. Malaysians should now be worried.
No major new deals or investments were announced. All signings were essentially a continuation of what Najib's government started – a promise to buy more palm oil, the pre-agreed joint venture to sell Proton cars in China as well as an extension of the currency swap arrangement previously agreed to and carried out in the past.
Mahathir then had a joint press conference with Premier Li Keqiang and at the end when Mahathir said rich countries should not colonise others, Li said nothing and the session abruptly ended with him shaking hands with Mahathir with a forced smile. Then he frowned and walked off the stage. Not a word of thanks.
Watch the video:
Later that day, Mahathir also had a meeting with all-powerful president Xi Jinping. Most will note that there was no press conference – either by Mahathir, by Xi or jointly by both. In fact, there was no statement from President Xi after that meeting.
There was, however, a joint statement issued later by the foreign ministers of both countries which had no specifics and was basically diplomatic rhetoric about maintaining ties, etc.
Then the next morning, Mahathir announced the cancellation of the ECRL project, a part of China's prized One Belt One Road initiative, as well as the two pipeline projects.
This must have been a big slap in the face for China and is the clearest proof that all did not go well with Mahathir's visit to China.
Another two slaps were delivered when Mahathir said in Beijing, that China companies were forced to give 30 percent shares to BN – which he later admitted he had no proof of this claim. He also said he believes Jho Low is in China but again, says he has no proof.
This is like telling the Chinese that they are engaging in corruption and they are harbouring criminals.
Actually, his visit has been a disaster and Malaysians must wonder if we need to prepare for retaliation.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/439844
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Nov 22, 2024
What to do leh ??
Lousy projects need to be undone loh...if not msia future generation will need to foot the bills on this non viable project loh...!!
2018-08-21 22:42
I think his colonialism remarks refer to US protectionism that could overwhelm developing countries. But the western press portrayed it as though he was mentioning china
2018-08-21 23:01
Come back from China Tun M said Najib stupid?
http://klse.i3investor.com/blogs/savemalaysia/170635.jsp
2018-08-21 23:17
One of the crappiest letter I've seen. How is China going to be angry, when most of the money for the ECRL is already drawn down, paid to Exim bank to the Chinese contractor directly, without even reaching Malaysia? The cancellation will hurt Malaysia a hell lot more than China, because the horse has already bolted and now Malaysia has to figure a way out how to get the money back. Pray tell me, who gets angry after getting paid for no work done?
2018-08-21 23:18
Truth hurts. Thank God, PH won GE14 and saved Malaysia ..... I don't have to elaborate further.
2018-08-22 01:39
To be realistic, how can China support us if we don't support ECRL which falls under one belt one road. I opine we should go ahead with ECRL and the only crucial agenda is to renegotiate on the pricing and mode of payment(deferred loan payment schedule). Moreover, the completed ECRL can lower the cost of transportation which is in favour of our palm oil and durian and to a certain extent Tourism. So, our income from these source will be affected. I wonder where is our source of income to pay our huge debt. Can we depend on 3rd national car as a source of income which was a failure in the past. The main income now is oil which depends very much on international pricing.(Note: solely my opinion only without prejudice to any party)
2018-08-22 05:44
Sesiapa pun yg berunding dgn mahathir tak akan berjaya sebab mahatihir bagi sesiapa yg pernah mengenali beliau merupakan seorang yg paling keras kepala spt kata2 bekas pm australia.Sebab itulah rundingan jambatan bengkok dgn singapura suatu masa dulu pun gagal.bagi generasi baru inilah tun mahathir yg harus dikenali.
2018-08-22 07:39
"Wee: Stopping rail construction may affect ties with China
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/08/22/wee-stopping-rail-construction-may-affect-ties-with-china/#6m2V7Dhp1crfEqwq.99" I am not the supporter of or siding BN but I only support realistic comments.
2018-08-22 07:44
https://borgenproject.org/one-belt-one-road-benefits/
How come the belt has no economic value in malaysia?
2018-08-22 09:04
One thing mahadey successfully did was convincing china to never make agreement with Malaysia cause once gov changes new gov will not honor the agreement, this political risk will scare everybody away congrats
2018-08-22 09:24
Tun M hv a right to anything to save this country from bankruptcy rather continue spending rakyat money with luxury things personally, 93 yo is more wise thinking then young people's like us, at least country is safe although i lose big big money yesterday bcoz Tun cancelled those project,, i accepted it as god well...
2018-08-22 10:06
No cancellation of development projects if rakyat wants to be prosper. ONLY choice is to ensure reasonable (balloon) cost taking into account other benefits reaped for rakyat and the country. Cancel development projects is a huge mistake. GDP will come down drastically.
2018-08-22 11:18
what prosper? come to my town and see...kesian property business. want rent also need to fight... rental dropping, buyer market
2018-08-22 11:36
in the meantime, alex go makan pork noodle today, the aunty say hers one is the cheapest in town, RM4.50? apuuuuu…..
2018-08-22 11:37
Already paid mah....ECRL overpayment based on progress of work measurement loh.....!!
2018-08-22 11:44
the question now is whether sacrificing that 25 billion is worth it or proceeding with the project.
2018-08-22 11:47
Managing a country is very tough. For TM, the only problem in his previous era of 22years as PM was execution. Nothing wrong his policies back then, only execution problems. So he will reset Msia back to 80s and let the new PM plan
2018-08-22 12:01
you look at the terms, most likely got dirt in it but seems china govt not willing to admit it.
2018-08-22 12:10
Can't blame the second one.....as the first gasak most goody.....what else for the next one to.....
(sigh)
2018-08-22 12:15
Welcome to recession, Malaysia!
It might have been good to stop the past evil but Malaysia need to move forwards with new prosperous projects. Its like PH is stuck in the past. Stop the ding dong and move forward. Move forward. Everyday is not about Jho Low and mega projects cancellations
2018-08-22 13:12
Tun M also should not talk about colonization in these modern times, If you have nothing (don't think Malaysia is a gold mine), there must be a trade off to start something, if not you wait stubbornly stupid for something to happen.
Don't blame past administration for a stagnant economy. The country is in PH hands now
2018-08-22 13:27
Dr M is just trying to clean up Malaysia.... Don't worry..Oil price is still high...Malaysia is still safe..which is why Fitch doesnot degrade Malaysia rating...
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/08/14/fitch-affirms-a-rating-for-malaysia/
2018-08-22 14:23
apolloang
save money better than najib spending spree
2018-08-21 22:34