Reading doctored history and getting indoctrinated by its misleading facts has its own risk. Pakistan has perfected the art over the decades. No Pakistani has ever read the UN resolutions on Kashmir let alone understand those, but every Pakistani talks eloquently on Kashmir.
Some sections of western media compete with each other to show how they are more loyal to the king. The latest ones to join the bandwagon are Malaysia’s nonagenarian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Turkish President Erdogan making Malaysia and Turkey the latest entrants to the India bashers club.
Since late 1980s, Kashmir has degenerated into a playground of Islamists. That forced Indian government to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019, detain Islamist activists and divisive politicians and shoot down internet to tighten administrative grip to keep things under control.
Absolutely, ignorant of Kashmir issue, Mahathir commented that India was “invading and occupying the country” of Jammu and Kashmir. Such grossly misinformed, uncalled for and unpalatable comments stung India and raised tension with Malaysia-the world’s second-biggest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia. Tension escalated further after Mahathir, whose outspoken nature has already soured ties with both India and Saudi Arabia, criticized India’s new citizenship law also. India, the world’s biggest buyer of edible oils, effectively stopped importing palm oil from Malaysia by asking Indian importers to look elsewhere. Palm oil plays a large role in Malaysia’s economy and refiners stare at a massive loss just because of Mahathir’s motivated remarks. India replaced Malaysia with Indonesia and Argentina and could extend the curbs to petroleum, aluminium ingots, liquefied natural gas, computer parts and microprocessors from Malaysia.
Turkey’s President Erdogan said Kashmiris are “virtually under blockade”. India plans to cut imports of oil and steel therefrom. Turkey’s siding with Pakistan on membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force, spoiled relations with India which barred a Turkish defence company from operating in India.
India is a far bigger trade partner to Malaysia and Turkey than Pakistan. After reducing imports from both Malaysia and Turkey, India is mulling diplomatic options on the trade front. Criticizing India on local law but accessing the huge Indian market is unfair. Mahathir’s selective, motivated, irresponsible and Islamist “frankness” is costing Malaysia billions.
India never interfered in Malaysia’s internal problems and shouldn’t tolerate trash therefrom. It’s difficult to understand Mahathir’s logic and double standards. Malaysia-an Islamic state-wants India to be secular and keep buying their oil! Strange!
Malaysia is trying to sell more to Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Jordan but can’t replace its largest trade partner India having highly favourable trade surplus. Mahathir’s media adviser wanted to retaliate with tighter regulations on Indian expatriates but wise counsel prevailed. Malaysian Trades Union Congress urged resolution through diplomatic channels.Malaysia had 1.18 lakh Indians registered as foreign labour in June 2019. Indian nationals constitute the third-largest immigrant population accounting for six per cent of the total foreign workforce there.
Malaysia has leverage but can’t clamp curbs on ex-pat Indians who have lived there for centuries, obtained Malaysian citizenship and cannot be deported. Malaysia is a racist, supremacist nation; the discriminatory treatment to Indians proves that.
Mahathir is 94 years, hence cares less about re-election or economic failure. Permanent Malaysian residency to fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik charged with money laundering and hate speech irritated India further. Restrictions on electronics imports and exclusion in contracts for massive infrastructure spending could cost Malaysia dearly.
Malaysia can’t sell surplus palm oil to Pakistan except for charity. Why risk further deterioration in the relations with India? Mahathir is neither respected nor can last long, whereas Modi is a much respected and decisive leader.
Trade Ministers from India and Malaysia may meet on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos in late January. Malaysia bit more than it can chew. The economy could tank and the government may fall. Risking all these for a terror-heaven Pakistan or a hate preacher Zakir Naik is not prudent. India fought for Malaysia’s freedom. Thankless country and its Islamist Prime Minister! – New Delhi Times