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Jayakumar launches book
SINGAPORE: Former senior minister S Jayakumar launched on Thursday his 316-page book, "Diplomacy - A Singapore Experience".
Speaking at the event, professor Jayakumar said as he circulated the draft of what was meant to be case studies for younger officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the civil service, several people strongly urged him to publish it and not limit the readership.
He added not all Singaporeans can have the experience of working in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and no foreign policy can succeed unless it had the understanding and appreciation of the domestic public.
Hence, the book was published for a wider audience.
Prof Jayakumar had a word of caution for those who thought Singapore will always be able to punch above its weight.
He said this is not a given.
If the Republic has done well, it is because of a combination of factors.
Prof Jayakumar explained Singapore is viewed as a success story not just in economic terms but also several other spheres - such as meritocracy, multi-racial harmony, and a world acclaimed legal system.
Secondly, the quality of the people who represent the country on the world stage -- from the past and present prime ministers and ministers -- are highly regarded and whose views are sought after.
In his book, prof Jayakumar gives a thorough and analytical account of the various factual and legal aspects surrounding key contentious issues that arose during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time as Malaysia's prime minister.
These include the water, bridge, customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) and Points of Agreement (POA) episodes.
He added the POA deal is clearly a win-win outcome and a political and economic plus for both sides.
He said the settlement of the long-standing POA issue removed a major obstacle to bilateral relations, paving the way for deeper cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia.
Turning to ties with Indonesia, prof Jayakumar noted the "warm rapport" between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
But two factors are essential, prof Jayakumar said.
On Singapore's side, there's a need to recognise that it is a changed Indonesia.
This meant acknowledging that the dynamics of politics and decision-making have changed and that the leadership in Indonesia has to contend with the Indonesian media, the DPR, which is the Indonesian Parliament as well as civil society organisations.
On Indonesia's part, prof Jayakumar noted some of their politicians will need to abandon their "little red dot" mentality, and bilateral relations have to be conducted on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Prof Jayakumar's book was launched by Singapore Press Holdings chairman Tony Tan.
SINGAPORE: Former senior minister S Jayakumar launched on Thursday his 316-page book, "Diplomacy - A Singapore Experience".
Speaking at the event, professor Jayakumar said as he circulated the draft of what was meant to be case studies for younger officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the civil service, several people strongly urged him to publish it and not limit the readership.
He added not all Singaporeans can have the experience of working in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and no foreign policy can succeed unless it had the understanding and appreciation of the domestic public.
Hence, the book was published for a wider audience.
Prof Jayakumar had a word of caution for those who thought Singapore will always be able to punch above its weight.
He said this is not a given.
If the Republic has done well, it is because of a combination of factors.
Prof Jayakumar explained Singapore is viewed as a success story not just in economic terms but also several other spheres - such as meritocracy, multi-racial harmony, and a world acclaimed legal system.
Secondly, the quality of the people who represent the country on the world stage -- from the past and present prime ministers and ministers -- are highly regarded and whose views are sought after.
In his book, prof Jayakumar gives a thorough and analytical account of the various factual and legal aspects surrounding key contentious issues that arose during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time as Malaysia's prime minister.
These include the water, bridge, customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) and Points of Agreement (POA) episodes.
He added the POA deal is clearly a win-win outcome and a political and economic plus for both sides.
He said the settlement of the long-standing POA issue removed a major obstacle to bilateral relations, paving the way for deeper cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia.
Turning to ties with Indonesia, prof Jayakumar noted the "warm rapport" between Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
But two factors are essential, prof Jayakumar said.
On Singapore's side, there's a need to recognise that it is a changed Indonesia.
This meant acknowledging that the dynamics of politics and decision-making have changed and that the leadership in Indonesia has to contend with the Indonesian media, the DPR, which is the Indonesian Parliament as well as civil society organisations.
On Indonesia's part, prof Jayakumar noted some of their politicians will need to abandon their "little red dot" mentality, and bilateral relations have to be conducted on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.
Prof Jayakumar's book was launched by Singapore Press Holdings chairman Tony Tan.
