Lee Kuan Yew should clarify his statement<\/p>\n
The remarks by Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew on
\nterrorists in Indonesia have reverberated around the region and
\nthe world. Lee has touched on the most sensitive issue in the
\nworld today.<\/p>\n
Though the truth of the accusation still needs proof, it is
\nfeared that Lee's remarks and The Straits Times' report will give
\nrise to impressions at the regional and global levels that will
\ncertainly discredit Indonesia and could, in fact, spoil its
\nimage.<\/p>\n
Given that we are at the height of antiterrorist emotion and
\nsentiment, Lee's allegation will probably be quickly accepted
\nwithout critical comment as Lee's reputation and popularity are
\nstill high. It is not overreacting, therefore, if Indonesian
\nofficials or community leaders urge Lee to clarify his statement.
\nClarification is required to ensure that objectivity and the
\ntruth prevail.<\/p>\n
It is still difficult to assess the psychological implications
\nof Lee's statement as regards the configuration of relationships
\nwithin ASEAN. Making an accusation, especially concerning a
\nsensitive issue, is rarely done in ASEAN internal relations.<\/p>\n
The demand for clarification is not an expression of a
\ndefensive reaction as the Indonesian nation is also concerned
\nwith the eradication of terrorism. Indonesia would appreciate it
\nif Lee could give concrete and comprehensive data on terrorist
\nleaders in this country.<\/p>\n
There is an impression abroad that Indonesia is not serious
\nabout fighting terrorism merely because Indonesian authorities do
\nnot detain suspected persons. Such an assumption has emerged
\nbecause Malaysia and Singapore have put a number of suspected
\nterrorists in detention.<\/p>\n
It would be really unfair if Indonesia were to be put on the
\nspot only because no suspects have been detained as has happened
\nin Malaysia and Singapore. The main problem here is the
\ndifficulty in identifying terrorists. Moreover, the Indonesian
\ngovernment is no longer allowed to detain people arbitrarily as
\nsuch a step is contrary to the principles of democracy. The U.S.
\nand other countries have stated their support for the
\ndemocratization process in Indonesia, haven't they?<\/p>\n
It is urgent for Indonesia to clarify the dilemma facing the
\nauthorities so as to avoid misunderstanding. This step is no less
\nimportant than Lee's clarification of his statement.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lee-kuan-yew-should-clarify-his-statement-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }