Was Mahatir a disaster in China?

According to a recent article on Malaysiakini, a reader alleged that PM Mahatir’s recent visit to China was a diplomatic disaster (https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/439844) and that Malaysians should now be worried.

However, two ex-diplomats have weighed in with their own views and has rubbished the claim (http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2018/08/22/dr-ms-china-trip-a-disaster-nonsense-say-ex-diplomats/) when interviewed by Free Malaysia Today. Dennis Ignatius and Redzuan Kushairi told FMT this was because Dr Mahathir Mohamad had gone to Beijing to personally raise the issue of having to cancel or postpone Chinese-led infrastructure projects involving billions as Malaysia could not afford them.ese-led infrastructure projects involving billions as Malaysia could not afford them.

Ignatius, a former high commissioner to Canada, said Mahathir’s visit sent the message that he valued good relations with China and wished to assure Beijing of his commitment to improving ties.

Redzuan, a former ambassador to Uzbekistan, praised Mahathir for going to Beijing himself to explain Malaysia’s situation to the Chinese leadership.

Mahatir also cancelled 3 major China projects, namely, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Multi-Product Pipeline (MPP) and Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP).

What do you think of this latest move by Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad?