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North Korea is not a ‘normal country’
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I am no foreign affairs expert, but am old enough to have read about China during Mao Zedong’s era, the former Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, Iran just post-Islamic revolution, Cuba under Fidel Castro and North Korea under various Kims. It is never easy to deal with them, and it is best that we treat the current problems with North Korea carefully and seriously.

I do not foresee the current impasse between the two countries being resolved very quickly. The negotiations would probably be difficult and protracted, unless one of the parties gives in to the demands without much hassle. The tenacity of our leaders as well as those Malaysians being held ‘captive’ there would probably play a prominent role.

To me, the North Koreans have all the time in the world. We should never ever underestimate their resolve to hold out with us and with the rest of the world. They have different worldviews on national reputation, human rights and freedom of movement of their citizens. They probably don’t give two hoots to all this. Right now it would appear that our leaders are talking tough, although quite unorganised, but I do hope that we will not succumb and melt down first.

Our leaders have given assurance that Malaysians now being held captive there will be safe and comfortable. But I think this is not sufficient. There must also be preparation and conditioning for them to face possible long-drawn-out restrictions.

If the US, Japan and South Korea have constant ‘running battles’ with North Korea, I am sure Malaysia may face the same problem. I am surprised we are not more anticipative and careful when dealing with them. We could have delayed taking actions to wait for more favourable situations.

Some probably would say hindsight is always perfect. However, if we have learned from history and the characters and behaviours of closed regimes in the past, the reactions by North Korea were not totally unexpected. Even an amateur like me could have anticipated it.

It is not wrong for Malaysia to be non-aligned and to be friends with all. But that aspiration must come with expertise. We must know the idiosyncrasy and peculiarity of different countries and their leaders. Some are bound to be reclusive, tribal, obstinate, and unreasonable. Sometimes the advantages of having more friends could be negated by unforeseen events which we have little capability to deal with.

Some countries may come to help us but usually this is not free. More often than not, help does not come from nonpartisan or disinterested parties. Ultimately, we must fend for ourselves.

Oh Malaysia, why are you constantly wallowing in the mud?

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