My letter to MediaCorp’s TODAY newspaper on the above
matter is published today, Wednesday 9th Nov 2016.
I share the views expressed in the letter “Duterte’s
actions aimed at getting more foreign investment, trade” (Oct 31).
As the United States election
campaign turned ugly, the Philippine leader had the foresight to build closer
ties with another power, China, as well as Japan and Brunei, and seized the
opportunity to secure investments.
Likewise, Malaysia’s Prime
Minister has turned to China to finance and build its East Coast Rail project.
Clearly, Mr Rodrigo Duterte
also has an axe to grind with the US and wants foreign troops to leave his
country in two years’ time.
The fiercely independent
politician is clamping down on drug pushers and addicts, and wants to rid his
country of drugs and corruption.
Although human rights groups
question the manner in which he tackles its drug problem, he is popular with
Filipinos, for they know that drug addiction has plagued their country, leaving
many to struggle with poverty.
His job of rebuilding the
country is not easy. He is also getting tough on telcos by warning them that if
they do not improve communication services, they would face foreign
competition.
Singapore understands that, as
the Philippines is an Association of South-east Asian Nations member, there
must be unity within this group so that economic growth can benefit all member
countries.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
has started building rapport with Mr Duterte by meeting him and extending good
wishes to him in Laos in September. Having healthy relations and mutual respect
among all 10 nations will see better cooperation.
To be able to take the
Philippines to greater heights, however, Mr Duterte must be mindful of his
communication skills and language, especially his use of expletives to hit out
at those whom he dislikes.
If he can secure a dynamic
public relations team to guide his communication and improve his image, he
could soar and secure international support that would enable his country to
prosper.
RAYMOND
ANTHONY FERNANDO
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