A new bridge of understanding
Imran Yacob
Special to The Nation
Today marks the opening of the second bridge linking the troubled southern Thai province of Narathiwat and that of Kelantan, Malaysia. The bridge, built at a cost of approximately US$2.77 million is dwarfed by its political and social importance.
The fact that this bridge – connecting Bukit Bunga in Jeli, Kelantan and Buketa in Thailand's southern border district of Waeng in Narathiwat – has been completed at all is a story worth recounting. The construction delays and behind-the-scenes political wrangling almost got the better of the project. Increased violence in the south of Thailand had long ago dissipated any heightened anticipation of better days in those troubled provinces. Indeed, 2007 could be the bloodiest year yet for ethnic Thais of Muslim-Malay ethnicity.
Malaysians – in particular those from the northern states of Kedah, Perak, Perlis and Kelantan, known as the Malay heartland – had reconciled themselves to the fact that their kin living over the porous Thai-Malaysian border would be further divided from them by increased border patrols and tightened security at major immigration entry and exit points. Thus, this second bridge represents a faint hope for the great things Malaysia and Thailand can achieve in continuously seeking a solution to the conflict. The megaphone diplomacy of the ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is now long shut off and supplanted with constructive diplomatic negotiations.
Cultural exchanges organised by both governments that involve the affected people of the south of Thailand are laudable. The ethnic Muslim Malays of the strife-torn region must see first hand the developments that have engulfed Malaysia, where race and religion fits in her modernisation. Small steps in education cooperation, Islamic instruction, as well as economic integration between Malaysia and the south of Thailand are crucial despite how critically they are viewed when juxtaposed against the long-running conflict in the south of Thailand.
The well -rehearsed opening ceremony for this second bridge is also a reflection of the state of affairs in Malaysia and Thailand. The people of southern Thailand now brace themselves for another round of promises and pledges of amity from the powers-that-be in Bangkok. The scepticism about this same old song resonates among the people of the South.
The sense of despair must be countered through the resilience of the southern people. They must stand up against evildoing that is castigated in Islam and the Thai authorities must extend a firm helping hand in creating the necessary elements for stability. Easier said than done – but so is apportioning blame, which is aplenty and goes all around.
Events in Malaysia in the run-up to national elections, predicted to be held in the first quarter of 2008, have churned up the ugly side of Malaysia. Beleaguered Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi will be facing the fight of his life as the now vocal discontented segments of Malaysian society challenge the authorities in street protests. These elements threaten to teach the Barisan Nasional, or ruling coalition, a lesson in the impending elections. Racial chauvinism and bigotry as well as unhappiness over the distribution of wealth in this prosperous nation poses the possibility of election embarrassment for Abdullah Badawi.
It is inconceivable, however, that the present government will be thrown out at the polls, as popularity surveys conclude that Abdullah Badawi still commands majority support, particularly in the rural areas. Therefore, the launching of this bridge is timely, as it enhances Abdullah Badawi's stature and stewardship in foreign relations, especially to the Muslim Malays of the northern states. The bridge also comes at a time when Malaysia's bilateral relations with its closest neighbour, Singapore, are somewhat cold despite assertions of a new positive chapter in cross-straits relations.
The Iskandariah Development Region in Malaysia's southern tip of Johor, which was meant to serve as an economic hinterland for Singapore, has met with strong historical opposition to the island state's major involvement in the project. Similarly, relations with Indonesia are also tense because of migrant issues and a host of cultural faux pas.
This bridge of understanding is more than a physical structure. It is a monument to both nations and the rich cultures that resides within. Thai Muslims of Malay descent are now a distinct mix of heritages and lineages formed by way of historical fate.
The debate rages on in Malaysia about race and religion. This complex multi-religious and multi-cultural nation is perhaps unparalleled anywhere else in the world. But Malaysians have always fought for peace and stability above all else. Whatever it is that divides Malaysia, the love for public safety and zeal for economic progress is paramount.
It is hoped that the increased cultural and economic communication through the bridge will be the beginning of many other bridges to be built. Fittingly, it is a milestone in celebrating Malaysia's 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Thailand, even while conceding that the potential for cooperation between the two nations is far from complete. Let us not allow suspicion and past hatred to negate the strides we have made in bringing Thailand and Malaysia that much closer.
The author would like to wish all Muslims Id al 'Adha and Christians a Merry Christmas. And to all, a Happy New Year.
Imran Imtiaz Shah Yacob is a lawyer and political commentator based in Kuala Lumpur. He writes for numerous international newspapers/online journals. He can be contacted at [email protected].
