Singapore introduces ‘unfriendly’ restrictions
By NELSON BENJAMIN
JOHOR BARU: Singapore has imposed a new ruling which has been described as “unfriendly” — including introducing restrictions against Malaysian VIPs and High Commission staff vehicles entering or leaving the island republic.
Members of the Johor royalty, Malaysian VIPs and High Commission staff were previously allowed “easy access” where they could use the bus lane at the causeway or the Second Link to avoid getting caught in the massive traffic snarl. They can no longer enjoy the privilege.
Since the ruling was enforced recently, at least two “incidents” have occurred including a vehicle carrying the Tengku Bendahara of Johor being stopped and having clearance problems.
Comments: I dont see any problems if like all Malaysians, one brings his/her passport and fill in the embarkation/disembarkation card like everyone else. Is this something hard to do?
The latest case occurred last week when Malaysian High Commissioner Datuk N. Parameswaran, who was in his official car bearing the Malaysian flag was also stopped and told to turn back at the Second Link.
Comments: Maybe this is something new to some Malaysians. In Singapore, rules are to be followed and no exceptions.
It is learnt that Singapore had enforced the new ruling over the last two weeks as part of its effort to tighten security following the escape of terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari on Feb 27.
Malaysians at the causeway are already forced to endure long jams, which can stretch to several hours since the escape.
They have to have their thumbprints taken and cars searched at the Causeway and Second Link.
Wisma Putra sources said the recent ruling would “ruffle some feathers” as Malaysia has been “very accommodating” to requests made by Singapore in the past.
Comments: Then payback time lah. Do the same thing to Singapore VIPs. Stop being a cry baby. Complaint complaint complaint
It is learnt that Singapore issued the guideline via the Malaysian High Commission two weeks ago. The easy access is only provided to “certain people” including the Johor Sultan, Tengku Mohkota and Malaysian ministers. It is learnt that Singapore also sent a letter to the Johor palace informing them about the new clearance procedures.
Parameswaran confirmed there were two “unpleasant cases” involving the Tengku Bendahara of Johor and also himself. “I was on my way to Nusajaya in my official car bearing the Malaysian flag to attend an official buka puasa event in Nusajaya at 6pm on Saturday when I was pulled over for 20 minutes.Parameswaran said Singaporean officials then told him to turn back and wait in queue. “This is the first time in five and a half years that such a thing has happened,” he said, adding that describing the incident as embarrassing and “disrespectful” of the Malaysian flag.
Comments: You feel they are disrespectful to you or to the Malaysian flag? Tepuk dada tanya selera. Parameswaran is a disgrace to Malaysia. You're a in a foreign land, so be respectful to your host. Its not like you're standing on the grounds of Malaysia High Commision where you have your own jurisdiction. You're travelling on Singapore soil now, mind you. Other ordinary Malaysians also need to bear the brunt of the long queqe. So just set off slightly early next time to avoid this slight delay. I dont see why you're whinning about this? Are you so superior that you deserve special treatment versus the rest of us out here? Who are you? You're just another public civil servant thats only function is to serve the rakyat.
Parameswaran said the High Commission vehicles were given clearance to use the bus lanes to avoid the traffic congestion as they had to commute to Johor regularly for official purposes.
Asked if there were any other reason for the sudden move, he said that Singapore had informed him that there were supposedly some abuses in the past. “I have dealt with those who abused the system. So why impose something when discussions have not been not finalised?” he asked.
Comments: Now we know, someone here in Malaysia had abused the system in the past. So Mr Parasmeswaran, there you have it. The cat is out of the bag. Someone abused the system before. It all goes back to what I said earlier. If you dont show respect to your host, dont expect the same treatment back. Get on with life and just queqe like everyone else.
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2 comments:
When In Rome…don’t be “unfriendly”
The wise folks of the olden times have left us some very good advice to learn from and practice where applicable as it is through experience that they have left us their wisdom. One well known Malay proverb that would be very useful for those of us who are either passing through or staying in foreign land is “Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung…”.
We can hold our heads up high and be proud that many Malaysians have traveled near and far into foreign lands for various reasons. We can also take pride that many fellow countrymen have done our motherland proud by being positively outstanding in their contributions towards their adopted motherland.
However, we also have to acknowledge that some fellow Malaysians have done this country disfavour and some incidents are so severe that it brings dishonour through their unprofessional and unbecoming behaviour. One such example is the recent incident involving our High Commissioner to Singapore Dato’ N. Parameswaran.
It is very disappointing and very frustrating for us Malaysians when any of our fellow countrymen misbehave wherever they are in the world. If it happens often enough, Malaysians are labeled according to the way these unscrupulous individuals project themselves. We have the same attitude towards some nationals from foreign land; just because some of their fellow countrymen are crooks here; then we think most of them are crooks.
For Dato’ Param who is a very high profile Malaysian in Singapore due to his official status as the official representative of the Malaysian Government, his behaviour and reaction towards the new Singapore’s ruling at the Immigration checkpoint is very unbecoming and unprofessional. I may go as far to describe his handling of the situation as unpatriotic. He was the one who has “embarrassed and was disrespectful towards the Malaysian flag”; not the Singapore authorities who were just doing their job.
As a Malaysian Government civil servant (lest he forgets and starts comparing his status similar to the Johor Royal family in terms of the “special privilege” that he expects from his host country), his primary task as a High Commissioner is to pave the way to develop good and fruitful relationship. His other primary duty would also involve helping to resolve issues in the interest of our country. BUT what has he really achieved in the last 51/2 years? Instead, in the last 5 years many “historically negative” events have occurred in our bi-lateral relationship with Singapore.
The bridge project which would have benefited Malaysians generally and the Johoreans especially was cancelled resulting in disruptions and delays to the overall Southern Johor development. We lost Pulau Batu Putih. Other outstanding bi-lateral issues such as the price of water supply, the use of Johor’s air space by Singapore air force, KTMB land and the Tg. Pagar / Woodlands immigration check point for train travelers as well as several other major issues remain outstanding and no nearer to being resolved. These are issue that he should think about and focus his idle mind on. Instead of making headway in resolving the above major bi-lateral issues, he has instead created another miniscule issue which only serves his personal interest.
The Government allocates and spends a fair amount of money and resources in setting up embassies and foreign offices in countries all over the world. All the Government servants who have been given the honour to serve these offices are sent with specific missions and that is what they should be doing. Their role and responsibilities towards the nation cannot be underestimated and only those who are deserving of this trust should be allowed to uphold it. Those who do not perform and instead is an embarrassment to the country should be removed immediately. In the case of Dato’ Param, he has proven to be not worthy of the role and his time to proof his worth has also run out.
Five years is a too long a probation period; not only has Dato’ Param not performed, he has even done a disservice to the country by his recent misbehaviour. As a Malaysian, I urge the Foreign Office to review his appointment and take the appropriate action in the interest of this country and its people.
Parameswara
Kandang Kerbau
Well said Parameswara, I share the same sentiment as you. I believe not only me but many more Malaysians as well.
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