Singapore has to explain, say Malaysian officials

(The Star) – Singapore should explain the damaging remarks allegedly made by its senior government officials against Malaysia and the Prime Minister.

Government officials, when contacted yesterday, said it would be best to wait for Singapore’s explanation before any reaction was given.

“I am sure Singapore will explain soon enough. I am sure some people are already embarrassed with the leak,” said a senior official commenting on leaked US diplomatic cables exposed by WikiLeaks.

The cables, recorded in 2008 and 2009, involved Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) senior officials Peter Ho; Bilahari Kausikan and Tommy Koh in meetings with senior US officials.

Kausikan reportedly said: “A lack of competent leadership is a real problem for Malaysia”, citing the need for Datuk Seri Najib Razak to prevail politically over the murder case of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu.

It is understood Kausikan is heading a Singapore delegation to Kuala Lumpur on Dec 22 for the next meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Implementation Team (MSJIT) on the Points of Agreement.

Separately, Channel News Asia quoted Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo as saying the confidentiality of diplomatic communication must be respected.

He added diplomatic relations could not be done “on the basis that there is a camera in the room recording everything.”

“There will be more coming out in the future. I think it is best that we respect the confidentiality of diplomatic communication,” he said.