International relationship is founded on trust and integrity.
Integrity as mentioned by Badawi is a very important part of
statesmanship.
So integrity of Singapore may be called into question. Do people
see us as reliable partner? How would leaders in China and Taiwan
judge us? With this kind of double-talk our sincerity will always
be doubted. Will we go very far with either China nor Taiwan or
even Asean partners?
I believe many countries are very wary and are keeping us at arm's
length. No wonder we have no confidence in carrying on with China
and is now seen to be cultivating India or Middle East.
