US-ASEAN summit and American Interests

One of the more subtle lessons Americans can take from the controversy over the Ground Zero mosque in New York City is how difficult it is for us to converse with the Muslim world or its representatives.

For us, the bloody recollections of recent history are still raw—Americans are on the lookout for wolves in sheep’s clothing. For them, the pressures in their home countries often make it politically unpalatable to be seen as too friendly, lest they be considered a lackey bowing to the wishes of a foreign populace.

As the second US-ASEAN summit approaches this weekend in New York City, there could be an opportunity for America’s political leadership to reach a closer understanding with Malaysia, a Muslim nation of great significance. Yet it’s important that, should the Obama Administration choose to do so, they sacrifice nothing in terms of American interests.

Malaysia is facing a critical moment. Economic stagnation has placed them in a precarious position, in need of a significant round of policy reforms and reconsiderations. And unfortunately, Malaysia is very close to a nation that concerns much of the Western world: Iran.

As one of their top trading partners in the Middle East, Iran is engaged and connected to the interests of Malaysia’s military, industry, and corporate structure, raising concerns—particularly when it comes to natural resources—that the relationship is being manipulated to avoid trade sanctions.

As it stands, however, the possibilities for achieving positive results from a closer relationship with Malaysia likely outweigh the negatives. The Malaysians know this, too—late last year, when a Malaysian senior representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency cast a lonely “no” vote on a resolution denouncing Iran, he was promptly dismissed by the foreign ministry. They have shown signs of being open to a closer relationship with the United States, signing into law a Strategic Trade Act in advance of President Obama’s April summit on nuclear non-proliferation, and vowing to take a more rigorous approach to ending their reputation as a middle-man for the transfer of weapons.

These are fine statements, but the United States should expect more. The current political leadership has made the right noises in many respects, but they must come to the negotiating table honestly, and with a willingness to make a firmer commitment to severing ties with Iran—the kind of commitment that can be measured in deeds, not just words.

When local political pressures prevent self-styled moderate Muslims from denouncing Hamas or Hezbollah, we are right to consider their true motives. But this should not bar us from adopting a closer relationship with other Muslim nations as we seek to advance our national security interests. By bringing Malaysia closer to the United States, we can tug them away from Iran—an aim that will serve our interests, and theirs as well.

- Benjamin Domenech
(Taken from The New Ledger)

Benjamin Domenech, a former speechwriter for U.S. Senator John Cornyn and HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, writes on national security and foreign policy issues for RealClearWorld.

Anyone can be PM ? Is this just cheap lip service ?

It is possible for anyone from a minority group to be a nation's leader, even in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi.

"It is up to the people to decide, just as the Americans had done through the democratic process," he said while extending his congratulations to Senator Barack Obama.

Can we ? I say Bull S**t !

UMNO-led Barisan government protest even at the appointment of Low Siew Moi, just an "acting general manager of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS)." so you think it is possible "anyone can be PM " ?

Americans who have been sickened by the Bush administration, including the young generation and undecided voters, have cast their ballots in favour of Barack Obama to perpetuate liberalism and preserve the open society while reviving America's vibrancy.

This tide of change is not only taking shape in the United States, it is subsistent in many parts of the world. People in many countries are longing for change and their own versions of Obama.

The March 8 political tsunami here in Malaysia to some extent has been propelled by the same kind of social force.

Malaysians from all ethnic groups have got enough of racist politics. Authoritarian rule is no longer agreeable to our young voters, and many have longed for a fairer and more open government, and this has given rise to a more liberal and vibrant society.

Just as the US president-elect has said, "This is not a white America, or a black, Latino or Asian America. There is only one America; that is the United States of America."

Malaysia's Constitution does not impose racial or religious restrictions on the prime minister's post, but the country has always been run by Malay Muslim leaders of its biggest political party since independence from Britain in 1957.

"Can a Chinese, Indian (or a member of another minority) become prime minister?" senior opposition figure Lim Kit Siang wrote on his blog.

"There will be strong voices ... who would rise up to say 'no.'"

"Who is going against the Merdeka Constitution and the social contract reached by the forefathers of the major communities to achieve national independence half a century ago?"

"Why is Malaysian race relations and nation-building going backwards in the past 50 years as compared to the historic breakthrough in race relations in the United States with Obama’s historic victory in the US presidential elections?"

Barack Obama’s overwhelming win in the U.S. presidential race proves that the United States is really a democratic and peaceful nation. It is an historic achievement that symbolizes the end of racial prejudice.

The family tree: Dr Konrad Ng, Maya, Howard and Joan posing for a picture. Maya, who is Obama’s half sister, is married to Ng whose parents originally came from Sabah.

More importantly, Obama has links to Malaysia.

He has an Indonesian half-sister.

This sister is married to a Malaysian Chinese, Konrad Ng.

Not too long ago: Watching an Independence Day parade in the US four years ago were (from left) Michelle Obama, her daughter Sasha, Obama, Malia, Maya, Ng, and their daughter Suhalia. - AP

Let's wait and see if Obama visits Malaysia one day.

US Senate approves US$700 billion Wall Street bailout package

Breaking News :

US Senate approves US$700 billion Wall Street bailout package by a vote of 74-25. Bill is expected to be voted on next by House of Representatives on Friday.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- After one spectacular failure, the $700 billion financial industry bailout found a second life Wednesday, winning lopsided passage in the Senate and gaining ground in the House, where Republicans opposition softened.

Senators loaded the economic rescue bill with tax breaks and other sweeteners before passing it by a wide margin, 74-25, a month before the presidential and congressional elections.

In the House, leaders were working feverishly to convert enough opponents of the bill to push it through by Friday, just days after lawmakers there stunningly rejected an earlier version and sent markets plunging around the globe.
(Source)