Lee Kuan Yew becomes more annoying

Lee Kuan Yew still has a piercing voice. The 79-year-old Singaporean leader has accused Indonesia of becoming a den of terrorists, according to a report in the Feb. 18 edition of The Straits Times. Of course such an allegation will give the United States encouragement.

The U.S. has been acting as a "drunken hero" in hunting terrorists since the World Trade Center tragedy. Lee's remarks seem to be linked to the "drunken hero". Also on Feb. 18, The New York Times reported that the U.S. had asked Indonesia to take strict measures against suspected terrorists and pursue three Indonesian Muslim leaders charged with being prominent al-Qaeda members.

We, the Indonesian nation, are very much offended by Lee's accusation. Why? First, the accusation without proof will have a very serious international impact. Second, Lee's remark reflects an unfriendly attitude. It seems that the remark did not take account of the ASEAN aspects of the relationship between Indonesia and Singapore.

Lee considers Indonesia not to be serious about combating terrorism. But doesn't he know that Indonesia has declared a war against terrorism? He should be aware that amid its ailing condition this nation is learning seriously how to uphold democracy. Hence it is impossible to detain people just because of Lee's remark.

As for your country Pak Lee, why don't the Singaporean authorities detain troubled tycoons who have fled Indonesia and settled in Singapore? Singapore has been the most popular destination for capital fleeing Indonesia during the current crisis, hasn't it? You can calculate Singapore's profits from capital flight from Indonesia.

Singapore's benefit is our pain. The behavior of several tycoons has been one of the causes of Indonesia's collapse, especially those stealing funds by abusing Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI), of course with the support of Indonesia's corrupt officials.

Indonesia has increasingly felt the loss of Singapore as a close friend. Singapore is the richest country in the ASEAN region and therefore feels that it has the right to meddle in its neighbors' affairs. Singapore is really lucky to have you, Pak Lee, but we're tired of you dictating to other countries.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta