Singapore feels vulnerable

Singapore feels vulnerable

SINGAPORE (Reuter): A survey published in the Straits Times newspaper yesterday showed that Singaporeans had grown more aware of the city-state's vulnerability after a recent row with Malaysia.

The survey, which was based on a poll of 531 Singaporeans, followed a row between the two neighbors in March over disparaging remarks made by former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew about Johor state in Malaysia.

The paper said most people surveyed valued the city-state's achievements and independence more after the row, but were now more aware of how limited its resources were.

It said 81 percent of Singaporeans polled believed Lee did not intend to offend Malaysia. Some 55 percent thought the row was sparked by more than Lee's remarks and that other factors, such as Malaysian envy or dislike of Singapore, were at work.

The most widespread view on Malaysia's reaction to Lee's comments was that the country had simply overreacted, the paper said.