Actually I was hoping that the Malaysian reporters were allowed
to
"grill" Jaya. However, it has become clear that it was the
Malaysian
FM who became uncomfortable hving to challenge Jaya's
assertion
with the facts that he cut short the reporter questioning
session.
Even though it was just 30 mins, the event clearly demonstrated 2
things:
1) Malaysian's media apparent interest in directing tough
queries
to Singapore's officials on the issue (Which I welcome).
Whether
they will publish in full the Jaya's response, is another
matter
however. Reporters report, it is the editors who control what will
be
published in their final print.
2) The defensive nature of responses that Malaysian FM gave
during the Q&A session from "good fishes" round PB to
Sultant
historical link. Didn't he know the ICJ threw out Malaysia's
similar
arguement when presenting their case against the Indonesian ?
They got the 2 island based on their administrative
activities
on the islands.
{PS: I certainly would like to see Jaya given a more senior
position
in the next cabinet portfolio (Deputy PM ? ). Alas, like he had
said
during the news conference, his is just carrying out his duty as a
FM
in defence of his country's position..)
