I am delighted with an article written by columnist William M. Emposo in the Philippine Star today. Titled 'Start indicting those responsible for Sabah bloodshed', the senior journalist took the role of a diplomat by putting Malaysia-Philippines relation above all.
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At times when most Philippine media and writers apply some weigh to the Kiram's claim for Sabah - something that journalists worldwide should avoid writing - Emposo applied good logic and argument that perhaps some officers inside the Malacanang can't think of.
Given the chance, I would personally convey a message to His Excellency President Aquino to appoint this guy as one of his advisers in charge of foreign affairs.
Excerpts from Emposo's downright opinion:
On 'the claim for Sabah', he gives some insights from patches of history backdating three centuries ago, the one which led to Kiram intrusion.
I like this guy, not that I am a Malaysian but because of his courage for peace. Perhaps local colleges and universities that offer international relations course can invite him for a talk. Why not?
Salamat, mr Emposo.Hindi maraming tao ay ibahagi ang iyong opinyon ngunit naniniwala ako Malaysians Pinahahalagahan ito.
At times when most Philippine media and writers apply some weigh to the Kiram's claim for Sabah - something that journalists worldwide should avoid writing - Emposo applied good logic and argument that perhaps some officers inside the Malacanang can't think of.Given the chance, I would personally convey a message to His Excellency President Aquino to appoint this guy as one of his advisers in charge of foreign affairs.
Excerpts from Emposo's downright opinion:
In the wake of the bloodshed in Sabah, those responsible for it should be held accountable. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima previously mentioned the applicable charge per Philippine laws — that of inciting to war. The pronouncements of Sultan Kiram and his relatives and their call for support from other fellow Filipinos to press their claim against Malaysia could be cited as basis for such an indictment. If the call ended in armed conflict with casualties, then inciting to war is justified. Media persons who promoted these lines of the Sultanate could also be considered as responsible and indicted if basis is established. Were they reporting only what they heard or were they actively promoting the cause of the Sultanate, which is beyond their call of duty as journalists..?
On 'the claim for Sabah', he gives some insights from patches of history backdating three centuries ago, the one which led to Kiram intrusion.
The issue is whether it’s in our best national interest to bring the Sabah issue to the table while our MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) peace accord is being facilitated by Malaysia. The issue is whether we are willing to lose Malaysian support in ASEAN, as it is key to our conflict with China. The issue is whether it’s a responsible act of statesmanship to engage Malaysia in what could become a belligerent situation when we don’t have the military, naval and air force to match that of Malaysia. The issue is whether there’s wisdom in pursuing the Sabah claim at this time when both the US and UK have doused water on it.
Sabah is FOOL’S GOLD and we should think very carefully before investing national goodwill and foreign relations for the pursuit of it. It’s bad enough to waste time and energy in the pursuit of fool’s gold. It’s unconscionable to shed precious Filipino blood while pursuing it. Let’s not allow ourselves to be driven by emotion to emulate the misadventure of Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie who only had a dream with him and hardly anything else with which to attain it.
I like this guy, not that I am a Malaysian but because of his courage for peace. Perhaps local colleges and universities that offer international relations course can invite him for a talk. Why not?
Salamat, mr Emposo.Hindi maraming tao ay ibahagi ang iyong opinyon ngunit naniniwala ako Malaysians Pinahahalagahan ito.