Best episode, yet. While watching i remarked to my wife Singapore is fortunate to have folks like BK. She hopes he has mentored some people to continue Singapore's fortune.
Definitely enjoying and savoring this for the weekend. I've learnt so much from this I now know that I know so little. Great chemistry there too, wasn't expecting so much laughter but it kinda gives hope.
Leadership is the key factor for success and overcoming odds, absolutely. Living in Europe now, the situation is really dire and it’s not only geopolitical. There’s a leadership crisis.
👏👏 Must see for all Singaporeans especially younger ones and his reminding again what our priorities, interests and thought processes should be in this polarised world to keep singapore shining, safe and livable
1 of the best interviews to understand world affairs process of connecting the dots leading to the events featuring in the news versus knowing the events views, opinions versus national interests, the foreign policy of words versus the foreign policy of deeds there is usually no definitive solution or consensus as everyone and every country has their different views and interests
One more podcast added to my orbit , with lot of ' leh and lahs," but not only uniquely Singapore, seriously too , must survive in these ever changing dynamics of the world we are in. Thru the eyes of ex- diplomats.
Great work, lads. I loved the questions that you asked BK. It led to a very interesting and insightful discussion and sharing. I loved the part where you spoke about the middle position and he explained Singapore's position of the middle man. His explanation was clear, concise and effective unlike the many people who try to explain Singapore's position and confusing the many out there(including myself).
Wow I really enjoyed listening to this guest! How often do you meet a man who can speak at length about a whole range of controversial topics, and find nothing you disagree with?
Former Ambassador Mr Bilahari Kausikan is a brilliant diplomat for Singapore. He is intelligent n deep knowledges in foreign affairs.He is very very capable of diffusing mis concepts of Singapore ideals. I am fully admired his distinguished services for Singapore. Singaporean should be proud n highly appreciated for his contributions to ours little red dots in this part of the world.
Personally ordinary persons or civil servant are not appropriate to make comment on the government policies. I think the elected opposition parties should bring up the issues if it is wrong n debate in the parliament to represent the citizens. They are paid salaried for the jobs. It my suggestions.
@@MichaelZeng-hn5my Hey dude, just a heads-up, you're only one who have responsed to this troll comments that are sprouting everywhere. Friendly advice to research how to identify and manage troll traits. Typical SOP is just ignore, starve them of the engagement or response that they desperately needed. The more they taunt, bait, sprouting nonsensical contrarian, derailing topics etc. will inevitably expose all their hollow intent and insignificant. There is equal share of local and overseas out to sway, distort opinion or divide relationship. You will only want to response to constructive comment that stick to the same topics if not they are trying to derail or distract your surfing. Happy surfing.
Young Singaporeans should be educated politically given the influence of social media. We should be more open to speak about race, religion, identify and cultural. These are pretty complex subjects and should be managed carefully to maintain hamony in SG.
Good work, he is really good. No wonder we have maintain very good foreign relationships. I be very devoted to work with such good boss, of course if I make the cut😂
1:01:31 i wished he tackled how with enclaves of various groups and tensions like the eg he gaves like China dream and the Modi dream etc etc who are expats now but could potentially push singapore to be less horizontal and more vertical. Wonder if the podcast can raise this issue with other ministers in the future? I think it’s a critical tension point that must be tackled, strongly, by the political elite. What are the podcast’s thoughts?
I have a lot of time for Bilahari. Read all his books. Watched just about every YT clip with him in it, including sometimes 2-hour long speeches. Some even multiple times. Would gladly donate to charity for lunch with him a la Warren Buffet to tap his brains if he ever were to make himself available. Don’t know him personally but would love to. Any similar fans out there?
"National Interest" means it's not monopolized by any particular racial/religious culture and its ties to the "ethnically/historically rooted country". Take for example, i am a "Singaporean Chinese". I may share cultural and historical ties with China and ethnic Chinese communities worldwide, but my allegiance is to Singapore. "National Interest" is a distinction, which ensures that foreign policy decisions are made with the nation’s best interests at heart, free from the undue influence of ethnic solidarity. As Bilahari said, Singapore's multi-culture is "horizontally integrated", a non-hierarchical collective identity that prioritizes national cohesion over ethnic singularity. When all races and religions are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, this internal stability enhances Singapore's international standing, allowing it to punch above its weight in global affairs.
There are lots of countries who are multi racial and have many religions where people get along just fine. The reason why you do not hear about them is precisely because they barely have any conflicts or clashes.
@@jefri4176 Hilarious… Wanna Try Explain the “ Scandalous Uncontested PE17 “ Phenomena or You Prefer “ What Happened to SG’s Wealthy Arabs “ ? 😂😂😂 … ie. LKY has many Predatory Habits & Racist Policies… Consolation is , Only After LKY’s Passing is SG Government trying to Correct Damage Caused by LKY … 😂🎉❤
One of my favourite episodes this year and grateful for Bilahari's insights. Agreed with Mr.K that a better job could have been done to explain what's meant as 'Singapore's interest'.
Singapore is a great multicultural multiracial nation. It should be proud of its many achievements one of which is producing citizens like Bilahari Kausikan. Tuan Kausikan, I salute you and am richer for listening and hopefully absorbing your comments on this podcast. Bravo to the young hosts! I wish I was a Singaporean.
Singaporeans in general has shallow knowledge in Geo-politics due to our safe haven. More of these speakers and topics should be discuss so that our world view is expanded.
If the reason why Singapore imposed sanctions on Russia is because of the principle that a nation should not violate the sovereignty of another nation by invading it,then why did Singapore not impose sanctions on the US when it invaded Iraq and Afghanistan against the UN resolutions? Different rules for different folks?
Great episode having someone like ex Perm Sec / Ambassador Bilahari come and give insights. It would have been even better if the interview touched on the difference in opinions expressed by respected diplomats (Mahbubani, Bilahari and Ong) and also by minister (Shanmugam) about how best small states should conduct foreign policy. TH-cam comments section doesn't seem to allow me to provide a link, but one may search the internet - "Minister Shanmugam, diplomats Bilahari and Ong Keng Yong say Prof Mahbubani's view on Singapore's foreign policy 'flawed' ". Both camps shared their views back in 2017, yet I believe many in Singapore are still divided sadly.
Since YT restricted your attempt, do pardon me for taking the liberty to surmise from a layman's reading perspective. Readers are encouraged to further self-validate. Besides agreeing with the senior Singaporean officials' strong criticism of Kishore Mahbubani's commentary. Kishore was basically suggesting small states like Singapore should act timidly or in an acquiescent manner on the global stage, particularly regarding the South China Sea dispute. To put it crudely as a layman, advocating Singapore to "kowtow" to a strong power like China, has made me puke till today. This contradicts Singapore's successful foreign policy approach of not simply deferring to larger powers since LKY, but rather asserting its interests on the international stage with the rule of law despite its small size.
Yes he did, however it was a pity he didn't touch specifically on the subject that divided his ex colleague Prof Mahbubani, from him (and also minister Shanmugam) back in 2017 about how small states such as Singapore and Qatar should "conduct itself" (elaborated by a fellow commenter above). A pity - because it is not often that we see in public, differences in opinions being shared by well respected foreign affairs heavy weights. Though that happened in 2017, I believe that today there still remains significant segments of Singaporeans that are aligned to both Prof Mahbubani's approach as well as ambassador Bilahari and minister Shanmugam's approach, and hence is of interest to these people. Great work YLB still, Im just sharing what would have been even better.
Thank you YLB for your most recent interview with Prof Mahbubani and asking him about his 2017 commentary. I am happy that he clarified that the way he had worded his piece was a mistake. I hope that he would rewrite that commentary even in 2024, because his position in 2017 tells us that Singapore as a small state shouldnt express that the PRC ought to comply with international law and UNCLOS ruling in the South China Sea. Since that is a mistake, he should rewrite it - least that mistake becomes part of his legacy.
Geo Politics is an Extension of Lee Kuan Yew’s Predatory Bad Habits & Racist Policies . ie . Land Grab, Marginalising & Oppressing SG Muslims, Targeting, Looting & Plundering Wealthy SG Arabs , Ruthlessly Destroying not only Political Adversaries but also Influential People, Families & even Entire Communities etc … Rely Independent News Media Channels not Controlled & Obedient Mainstream Media 😊
It's refreshing to hear a casual conversation peppered with information from a realist. Kishore Mahbubani, George Yeo, and Bilahari Kausikan are all retired diplomats but not irrelevant. The only difference is the view on China. I do think some hawkish elements in China does take offence to Singapore not being Chinese enough. The speech that Sim Ann gave does makes it's way to Douyin. Not just Sim Ann, Lee Hsien Loong speech too with regards to how some of us might identify ourselves as the descendants of the dragon, and hence be sympathetic to China. However, our common identity should first and foremost be that of Singapore.
There are too many PRC paid internet troll working hard on internet media to brainwash & manupulate SG mind to suck up their China, with even nasty comments agains Ukraine seeking global help....too many PRC spies around. Winnie-the-pooh regime advocate peace on the table yet exact aggression on south china see, only reinforcing mistrust towards them
Ya lor these people with differing views will need to exist & are equally important only then diplomacy has room to work with rather than having to just pandering to an extreme side....
Agreed, Bilahari Kausikan is a straight talker to call a spade a spade that speaks objectively for Singapore's interest. George is now selling China revival with the "Greater China Chauvinism" doctrine advocated by the CCP that LKY had warned during his time. Kishore thinks he knows Chinese culture and philosophy well enough but forgets China hasn't stopped fighting amongst itself since civilisation, even within the CCP now when comes to power. They can't discard their deeply ingrained Chinese feudalism mindset. Just listen to these 2 Singaporeans, they're already exhibiting the typical Chinese condescending tone in conveying their stance like CCP leaders.
@@4bT8w5u6 You're right, I've always voted for George and was disappointed when he lost. But after hearing his speeches on China's greatness, I am glad now he has lost, as I can't imagine any of Singapore's elected leaders can be so easily swayed and make Singaporeans a laughing stock being non-subservient in China.
Good work guys inviting Mr. Bilahari, I'm impressed with his invaluable fundamental approach to knowledge and logic for managing controversial issues. His intrinsic explanation of Singapore's multiculturalism approach indeed crystalizes our uniqueness that upholds our independent diplomacy. Unlike George Yeo who is well taut vertically by Chinese chauvinism or Kishore reckless hubris with China's knowledge perhaps as he's rightly mentioned, Kishore has been studying too many international relationships. My salute to Mr. Bilahari's wisdom in explaining Singapore's real interest as an objective Singaporean. 👋
@@user-yj3qm9et9wI don’t agree with SamC’s opinion on George Yeo’s and Kishore’s view on the Main Land Chinese. Both of them are trying to tell the West not to isolate and not to underestimate China because the Chinese has them own historical system to deal with their internal problems. A good case of point was during COVID, the rest of the world comes to a stand still, but China GDP increases. If the west chose otherwise, they would be on the losing side because the west have to pay more for the same product. Both of them also shared the same opinion that eventually China is going to out grow US’s economic by then the West have no choice but to trade with China. The difference is the target audience. Mr G and Mr K audience were the European and the Taiwanese whereas Mr B’ are for local Singaporean.
@@patrickjeow Obviously Kishore was wronged in today's context, look at China's desperately trying to revive trade with AU after sanctioning them with tariffs for asking COVID investigation. Kishore then belittled AU for being ignorant and blindly following USA leadership as their duly punishment which was unbecoming of a diplomat. George Yeo is actually condoning the CCP to continue their authoritarian crimes under the justification of Greater China Chauvinism doctrine to fault and instigate its citizens with hatred for every other nation for their past humiliation, not the historical or internal problem, but to divert citizen frustration and maintain their CCP absolute political power. So if war erupted with their blinded recklessness, you think George Yeo's hand would be cleaned?
@@patrickjeow China's economy is obviously mismanaged by CCP incompetents besides copying and reinventing from the West. Moreover, they don't understand the profound fundamental difference between the West's "free-associative questions" and the "war of all against all" of capitalist competition edge over China's more centralized, bureaucratic model. China's economy would not be in today's dire situation which I will not elaborate on, just see the 3 simple facts that never lie, Why are Chinese still flocking non-stop to the West, you may validate the queue outside the US embassy? Why does the fund outflow never stop? Why is Chinese still experiencing 60% of citizens earning monthly less than RMB1K per month? It's premature to advocate China's future economic prowess besides now having to resort to cannibalizing 3rd world economies with grandiose BRI and BRICS illusions to compensate for their domestic shortcoming. You should spare more time to refresh their real geo-economic situation.
Sure anot ? Have You forgotten Scandalous Uncontested PE17? 😊 … so Disgraceful, the Shameless incumbent never even Contested for Re-election when Open to All Races 😊
Sure anot ? ie Scandalous Uncontested PE17 … So Disgraceful that the Shameless Incumbent sneaked Out Back Door without Contesting for Reelection when Open to All Races …😊
Lets talk about angels and demons. If you witness the level of destruction and the lives lost in Ukraine, we might not know who the angel is, but we definitely know who is the demon !
I stand for palestine but he is right, as Singaporean we stand for singapore to protect our national Interest , thank you sir , you ease my mind a little
great video......i got 2 of his books which were eye opening....besides Budapest Agreement, perhaps he might touch on the Minsk Agreement. Tony Blair interview on 3 key things LKY did - making English compulsory, bringing in talents & paying the correct pay for the leaders. And i thought bilahari like JW black label....
This was quite mind blowing! Thanks for the podcast guys and the great guest with great questions. Honestly have quite a lot to think about after all the information received from this. Might need a few more watches 😂
he is saying that the peace terms proposed by Putin recently would just be temporary, Putin would only come back for Kyiv later on, if Ukraine, what is left of it, does not join Nato
This episode has proven that the hosts can conduct a decent interview without vulgarities. I unsubscribed last year because I found the frequent F-word unacceptable and disgusting. I still unsubscribe lah but this video appears so I watch it as I am keen to hear BK's views.
Myself going second round ,on this podcast , undoubtedly, still fun , lah chuckles . Of course, would check out your last update videos. And all the questions you guys to your candid but distinguish guest , firstly of his many answer and insightful thoughts, like managing the situation or national interest and of reality of existing problems . ...the discerning view on what is ,and important. And going forward, and what is important for the city state , one the key factor , is leadership. Wow ! I always believe that too. Not bad lah., second round still pick up , few important point earlier that i missed. 😂.
Watching the speech. Kind of remind me of Bruce Lee speech about water. "Be water, my friend.” The Yang and Ying of nature. Thats why Singapore needs to keep importing Indians, disregarding complains about CECA; so as to balance with the number of Chinese from Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, China. So that if the Malay/Indon Archipelago decide to invade, there be enough Chinese and Indians to fight. And coincidentally Bilahari is a Chinese/Indian mix parentage.
But the only think stick out from this conversation was when he said. Regarding what come next, the next generation will have to handle the war. This is the type of thinking very ingrained in our leaders. They think for what they have to do for the next election, for the next decade. Whatever shit comes next, is not their concern. Cause they too have observed, the sheeps have no concern.
Because Tony Blair mentioned in the early part of that interview that the person he admires the most is Lee Kuan Yew. He is also the Dean of a school of public policy, and is teaching young leaders from around the world. The interviewer merely ask what can someone like Lee Kuan Yew learn, but Tony Blair immediately responded with Lee Kuan Yew, it's the reverse.
Even before Ukraine became independent it had begun expressing a desire to be rid of nuclear weapons in its soil. Nukes demand a lot of maintenance . Ukraine neither had the money to do that nor the codes to use them . Most of its delivery systems were missiles meant to hit America or ICBMs not SRBMs it could have used as a deterrent . Lastly , the US gave it a few billion dollars . US was the most insistent party .
well done to invite someone whom Some ASEAN Scholars accused as a cheap cia agent LOL and please don't ever compare him( mediocre) with our highly respected Kishore & George Yeo
if our friends here think this man can advise them about geo politics, they are misguided. Hope you guys can invite Kishore & George Yeo and you make up your own mind of the profound differences and how knowledgeable both Kishore & George Yeo are . Good luck LOL
, Salamud for smarther political diplomacy...It's times closer than before of two worlds of powers, Leassons need to be learned from the past and freedom need to preserved. conflicting is on the way soon !!, What I would like to ask exellency Bilajari how dangerous is in Lao PDR's situation in economic and political today especially in currency and managing development in focus? Thank you Sir...
Best episode, yet. While watching i remarked to my wife Singapore is fortunate to have folks like BK. She hopes he has mentored some people to continue Singapore's fortune.
💯
This is an excellent interview and should be watched by all Singaporeans
Agree
Always love Ambassador Bilahari's candor and clear-eyed analyses
Love the conversation. The clarity of the realities of life is piercing
Definitely enjoying and savoring this for the weekend. I've learnt so much from this I now know that I know so little. Great chemistry there too, wasn't expecting so much laughter but it kinda gives hope.
That’s all we need now!
Leadership is the key factor for success and overcoming odds, absolutely. Living in Europe now, the situation is really dire and it’s not only geopolitical. There’s a leadership crisis.
Those guys ARE drunk
Literally.
👏👏 Must see for all Singaporeans especially younger ones and his reminding again what our priorities, interests and thought processes should be in this polarised world to keep singapore shining, safe and livable
💯
It's a very educational video. Thanks to Bilahari and the 2 moderators.
1 of the best interviews to understand world affairs
process of connecting the dots leading to the events featuring in the news versus knowing the events
views, opinions versus national interests,
the foreign policy of words versus the foreign policy of deeds
there is usually no definitive solution or consensus as everyone and every country has their different views and interests
💯
One more podcast added to my orbit , with lot of ' leh and lahs," but not only uniquely Singapore, seriously too , must survive in these ever changing dynamics of the world we are in. Thru the eyes of ex- diplomats.
awesome strict talking guest, he should have a podcast!
Great work, lads. I loved the questions that you asked BK. It led to a very interesting and insightful discussion and sharing. I loved the part where you spoke about the middle position and he explained Singapore's position of the middle man. His explanation was clear, concise and effective unlike the many people who try to explain Singapore's position and confusing the many out there(including myself).
Glad you enjoyed it!
One doesnt typically think of the geopolitical or diplomacy aspects often, quite eye insightful
Wow I really enjoyed listening to this guest! How often do you meet a man who can speak at length about a whole range of controversial topics, and find nothing you disagree with?
💯
so you like hearing things that agrees with you, how will you learn a different perspective that way?
@@hatchegg80 by listening to perspectives that are new to you or different from your own.
Former Ambassador Mr Bilahari Kausikan is a brilliant diplomat for Singapore. He is intelligent n deep knowledges in foreign affairs.He is very very capable of diffusing mis concepts of Singapore ideals. I am fully admired his distinguished services for Singapore. Singaporean should be proud n highly appreciated for his contributions to ours little red dots in this part of the world.
As like most SG Intellectuals , Good Spokesman But No Spine to Call Out PAP for their Failures & Abuses and Obsession for Profiteering Policies 😊
Personally ordinary persons or civil servant are not appropriate to make comment on the government policies. I think the elected opposition parties should bring up the issues if it is wrong n debate in the parliament to represent the citizens. They are paid salaried for the jobs. It my suggestions.
@@MichaelZeng-hn5my Hey dude, just a heads-up, you're only one who have responsed to this troll comments that are sprouting everywhere. Friendly advice to research how to identify and manage troll traits. Typical SOP is just ignore, starve them of the engagement or response that they desperately needed. The more they taunt, bait, sprouting nonsensical contrarian, derailing topics etc. will inevitably expose all their hollow intent and insignificant. There is equal share of local and overseas out to sway, distort opinion or divide relationship. You will only want to response to constructive comment that stick to the same topics if not they are trying to derail or distract your surfing. Happy surfing.
Young Singaporeans should be educated politically given the influence of social media. We should be more open to speak about race, religion, identify and cultural. These are pretty complex subjects and should be managed carefully to maintain hamony in SG.
Thks guys. One of the best episodes!
🙏
Good work, he is really good. No wonder we have maintain very good foreign relationships. I be very devoted to work with such good boss, of course if I make the cut😂
Thanks for bringing him on. I love the interview and his insight into geopolitics.
Bravo Bilahari Kausikan 👋 you speak with wisdom and objectiveness as a true Singaporean without taking any side, my utmost respect!
@@dtbhkoh6575 would kau categorically declare he never been biased towards pap and never partisan and is always perfectly unbiased? 🤭🫣👀
*He is on Singapore's side! 👍🏼
@@jdan_dan this is subjective to each person. I can also say Opposition questioning PAP is in the interest of Singapore
He is on the US side…
@@TanSpeakersCorner I thought you don't have to be so blunt about it🫣🤭
1:01:31 i wished he tackled how with enclaves of various groups and tensions like the eg he gaves like China dream and the Modi dream etc etc who are expats now but could potentially push singapore to be less horizontal and more vertical. Wonder if the podcast can raise this issue with other ministers in the future? I think it’s a critical tension point that must be tackled, strongly, by the political elite. What are the podcast’s thoughts?
I have a lot of time for Bilahari. Read all his books. Watched just about every YT clip with him in it, including sometimes 2-hour long speeches. Some even multiple times. Would gladly donate to charity for lunch with him a la Warren Buffet to tap his brains if he ever were to make himself available. Don’t know him personally but would love to. Any similar fans out there?
this was the best episode on the podcast thus far
"National Interest" means it's not monopolized by any particular racial/religious culture and its ties to the "ethnically/historically rooted country". Take for example, i am a "Singaporean Chinese". I may share cultural and historical ties with China and ethnic Chinese communities worldwide, but my allegiance is to Singapore. "National Interest" is a distinction, which ensures that foreign policy decisions are made with the nation’s best interests at heart, free from the undue influence of ethnic solidarity.
As Bilahari said, Singapore's multi-culture is "horizontally integrated", a non-hierarchical collective identity that prioritizes national cohesion over ethnic singularity. When all races and religions are treated with respect and given equal opportunities, this internal stability enhances Singapore's international standing, allowing it to punch above its weight in global affairs.
Sg probably the only country that is "successful" in maintaining racial harmony because sg treat every race and religion as equal. Kudos to them. 😊👍
There are lots of countries who are multi racial and have many religions where people get along just fine. The reason why you do not hear about them is precisely because they barely have any conflicts or clashes.
@danwelterweight4137 Kudos to them too
@@jefri4176 Hilarious… Wanna Try Explain the “ Scandalous Uncontested PE17 “ Phenomena or You Prefer “ What Happened to SG’s Wealthy Arabs “ ? 😂😂😂 … ie. LKY has many Predatory Habits & Racist Policies… Consolation is , Only After LKY’s Passing is SG Government trying to Correct Damage Caused by LKY … 😂🎉❤
@@jefri4176 Utter Rubbish 😂😂 … LKY had many Predatory Bad Habits & Racist Policies 😂😂
One of my favourite episodes this year and grateful for Bilahari's insights. Agreed with Mr.K that a better job could have been done to explain what's meant as 'Singapore's interest'.
The key takeaway :- know your interest in heart and keep yourself afloat in whichever means in the stormy sea of geopolitics.
Love this episode. Really learnt a lot from Ambassador Bilahari ❤
Singapore is a great multicultural multiracial nation. It should be proud of its many achievements one of which is producing citizens like Bilahari Kausikan. Tuan Kausikan, I salute you and am richer for listening and hopefully absorbing your comments on this podcast. Bravo to the young hosts! I wish I was a Singaporean.
Wow! You managed to get him on the show.
A like for the detailed insight from Ambassador Bilahari
Much Thanks for a realistic perception of our foreign affairs with the rest of the world….Kudos YahlahBut👍.
Thanks
Great podcast ❤
🙏
one of the best episodes by far! great guest 👍🏻
Very informative and enlightening. The podcasters are good too🍷🍷🍷👍👍👍💖💖💖
Thanks! Make sure to share
Singaporeans in general has shallow knowledge in Geo-politics due to our safe haven. More of these speakers and topics should be discuss so that our world view is expanded.
Who else would you recommend?
@@YahLahBut Invite Sim Ann. She will be good to dispel all doubt on Singapore's stance and silence all the trolls.
@@YahLahBut Invite Professor Walid! Especially for the GE when the time comes.
If the reason why Singapore imposed sanctions on Russia is because of the principle that a nation should not violate the sovereignty of another nation by invading it,then why did Singapore not impose sanctions on the US when it invaded Iraq and Afghanistan against the UN resolutions? Different rules for different folks?
Int. Law is flush when it can't stand up to Super Bullies
I enjoy listening to him talking
Compulsory viewing. Insightful and a good glimpse into our foreign policy management.
Great episode having someone like ex Perm Sec / Ambassador Bilahari come and give insights.
It would have been even better if the interview touched on the difference in opinions expressed by respected diplomats (Mahbubani, Bilahari and Ong) and also by minister (Shanmugam) about how best small states should conduct foreign policy.
TH-cam comments section doesn't seem to allow me to provide a link, but one may search the internet - "Minister Shanmugam, diplomats Bilahari and Ong Keng Yong say Prof Mahbubani's view on Singapore's foreign policy 'flawed' ".
Both camps shared their views back in 2017, yet I believe many in Singapore are still divided sadly.
Since YT restricted your attempt, do pardon me for taking the liberty to surmise from a layman's reading perspective. Readers are encouraged to further self-validate.
Besides agreeing with the senior Singaporean officials' strong criticism of Kishore Mahbubani's commentary. Kishore was basically suggesting small states like Singapore should act timidly or in an acquiescent manner on the global stage, particularly regarding the South China Sea dispute.
To put it crudely as a layman, advocating Singapore to "kowtow" to a strong power like China, has made me puke till today. This contradicts Singapore's successful foreign policy approach of not simply deferring to larger powers since LKY, but rather asserting its interests on the international stage with the rule of law despite its small size.
He did talk at length about how a small state like Singapore conducts its foreign policy
Yes he did, however it was a pity he didn't touch specifically on the subject that divided his ex colleague Prof Mahbubani, from him (and also minister Shanmugam) back in 2017 about how small states such as Singapore and Qatar should "conduct itself" (elaborated by a fellow commenter above).
A pity - because it is not often that we see in public, differences in opinions being shared by well respected foreign affairs heavy weights.
Though that happened in 2017, I believe that today there still remains significant segments of Singaporeans that are aligned to both Prof Mahbubani's approach as well as ambassador Bilahari and minister Shanmugam's approach, and hence is of interest to these people.
Great work YLB still, Im just sharing what would have been even better.
Thank you YLB for your most recent interview with Prof Mahbubani and asking him about his 2017 commentary. I am happy that he clarified that the way he had worded his piece was a mistake. I hope that he would rewrite that commentary even in 2024, because his position in 2017 tells us that Singapore as a small state shouldnt express that the PRC ought to comply with international law and UNCLOS ruling in the South China Sea. Since that is a mistake, he should rewrite it - least that mistake becomes part of his legacy.
One of the best episodes. Very informative, very insightful. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
@@alantew4355 thanks to Yah Lah But whom help to bring out the good in him also but asking the right questions.
Quality of content in this episode.... next level man....
Wow. This man is a walking encyclopedia for geopolitics
Geo Politics is an Extension of Lee Kuan Yew’s Predatory Bad Habits & Racist Policies . ie . Land Grab, Marginalising & Oppressing SG Muslims, Targeting, Looting & Plundering Wealthy SG Arabs , Ruthlessly Destroying not only Political Adversaries but also Influential People, Families & even Entire Communities etc … Rely Independent News Media Channels not Controlled & Obedient Mainstream Media 😊
It's refreshing to hear a casual conversation peppered with information from a realist.
Kishore Mahbubani, George Yeo, and Bilahari Kausikan are all retired diplomats but not irrelevant. The only difference is the view on China.
I do think some hawkish elements in China does take offence to Singapore not being Chinese enough. The speech that Sim Ann gave does makes it's way to Douyin. Not just Sim Ann, Lee Hsien Loong speech too with regards to how some of us might identify ourselves as the descendants of the dragon, and hence be sympathetic to China. However, our common identity should first and foremost be that of Singapore.
China is always China first , the rest is to be used by China for China benefits .
There are too many PRC paid internet troll working hard on internet media to brainwash & manupulate SG mind to suck up their China, with even nasty comments agains Ukraine seeking global help....too many PRC spies around. Winnie-the-pooh regime advocate peace on the table yet exact aggression on south china see, only reinforcing mistrust towards them
Ya lor these people with differing views will need to exist & are equally important only then diplomacy has room to work with rather than having to just pandering to an extreme side....
Agreed, Bilahari Kausikan is a straight talker to call a spade a spade that speaks objectively for Singapore's interest. George is now selling China revival with the "Greater China Chauvinism" doctrine advocated by the CCP that LKY had warned during his time.
Kishore thinks he knows Chinese culture and philosophy well enough but forgets China hasn't stopped fighting amongst itself since civilisation, even within the CCP now when comes to power. They can't discard their deeply ingrained Chinese feudalism mindset.
Just listen to these 2 Singaporeans, they're already exhibiting the typical Chinese condescending tone in conveying their stance like CCP leaders.
@@4bT8w5u6 You're right, I've always voted for George and was disappointed when he lost. But after hearing his speeches on China's greatness, I am glad now he has lost, as I can't imagine any of Singapore's elected leaders can be so easily swayed and make Singaporeans a laughing stock being non-subservient in China.
I respect politicians who have independent of thought.
Thank you, for your service
🫡
Best episode done guys. Kudos!
Thanks!🙏
Very insightful session, thanks for doing this!
👍
Good work guys inviting Mr. Bilahari, I'm impressed with his invaluable fundamental approach to knowledge and logic for managing controversial issues. His intrinsic explanation of Singapore's multiculturalism approach indeed crystalizes our uniqueness that upholds our independent diplomacy. Unlike George Yeo who is well taut vertically by Chinese chauvinism or Kishore reckless hubris with China's knowledge perhaps as he's rightly mentioned, Kishore has been studying too many international relationships. My salute to Mr. Bilahari's wisdom in explaining Singapore's real interest as an objective Singaporean. 👋
Agreed!👍
@@user-yj3qm9et9wI don’t agree with SamC’s opinion on George Yeo’s and Kishore’s view on the Main Land Chinese. Both of them are trying to tell the West not to isolate and not to underestimate China because the Chinese has them own historical system to deal with their internal problems. A good case of point was during COVID, the rest of the world comes to a stand still, but China GDP increases. If the west chose otherwise, they would be on the losing side because the west have to pay more for the same product. Both of them also shared the same opinion that eventually China is going to out grow US’s economic by then the West have no choice but to trade with China. The difference is the target audience. Mr G and Mr K audience were the European and the Taiwanese whereas Mr B’ are for local Singaporean.
@@patrickjeow Obviously Kishore was wronged in today's context, look at China's desperately trying to revive trade with AU after sanctioning them with tariffs for asking COVID investigation. Kishore then belittled AU for being ignorant and blindly following USA leadership as their duly punishment which was unbecoming of a diplomat.
George Yeo is actually condoning the CCP to continue their authoritarian crimes under the justification of Greater China Chauvinism doctrine to fault and instigate its citizens with hatred for every other nation for their past humiliation, not the historical or internal problem, but to divert citizen frustration and maintain their CCP absolute political power. So if war erupted with their blinded recklessness, you think George Yeo's hand would be cleaned?
These are All Well Paid Influencers trying to Sell their SG’s Narratives
@@patrickjeow China's economy is obviously mismanaged by CCP incompetents besides copying and reinventing from the West. Moreover, they don't understand the profound fundamental difference between the West's "free-associative questions" and the "war of all against all" of capitalist competition edge over China's more centralized, bureaucratic model.
China's economy would not be in today's dire situation which I will not elaborate on, just see the 3 simple facts that never lie, Why are Chinese still flocking non-stop to the West, you may validate the queue outside the US embassy? Why does the fund outflow never stop? Why is Chinese still experiencing 60% of citizens earning monthly less than RMB1K per month?
It's premature to advocate China's future economic prowess besides now having to resort to cannibalizing 3rd world economies with grandiose BRI and BRICS illusions to compensate for their domestic shortcoming. You should spare more time to refresh their real geo-economic situation.
Holyshit..10 minutes in and i'm already picking up some geopolitics first principles from a master. Thanks guys for having him on! 🙏
At the end of the day we are all Singaporeans, regardless of race language or religion. Majulah Singapura 🇸🇬
Sure anot ? Have You forgotten Scandalous Uncontested PE17? 😊 … so Disgraceful, the Shameless incumbent never even Contested for Re-election when Open to All Races 😊
Sure anot ? ie Scandalous Uncontested PE17 … So Disgraceful that the Shameless Incumbent sneaked Out Back Door without Contesting for Reelection when Open to All Races …😊
Yeah Sure … Forgot so soon abt the Scandalous Uncontested PE17 Circus 🎪? 😂
Noteworthy, SG’s LKY not only Marginalised & Oppressed SG Muslims But also Targeted, Looted & Plundered Wealthy SG Arabs …. LKY did a Robbin Hood 😂
At end of Day … Predatory PAP has made Most of Us Sheep to be Worked & later Slaughtered … ie. even Organs Harvested 😂
This is good n informative
Lets talk about angels and demons. If you witness the level of destruction and the lives lost in Ukraine, we might not know who the angel is, but we definitely know who is the demon !
Aiseh la!! 👍🏼👍🏼 I’m amazing at how you guys manage to invite all this steady fellows to chat..
I stand for palestine but he is right, as Singaporean we stand for singapore to protect our national Interest , thank you sir , you ease my mind a little
Sometime your actions turn out to be bad for national interest..
great video......i got 2 of his books which were eye opening....besides Budapest Agreement, perhaps he might touch on the Minsk Agreement. Tony Blair interview on 3 key things LKY did - making English compulsory, bringing in talents & paying the correct pay for the leaders. And i thought bilahari like JW black label....
This guy deserves respect.
Choosing side means strategic & military, not economic. Every country has to trade, even US and China.
Bilahari Kausikhan, this time, I like your excellent views of world geopolitics. Keep it up.
Very frank and straightforward 👍
Reality check for all
Very interesting insights
Glad you think so!
An interesting gentleman, with an 'authentic' Singaporean accent too... 😊
the funniest opening 🤣👏👏👏👏
This was quite mind blowing! Thanks for the podcast guys and the great guest with great questions. Honestly have quite a lot to think about after all the information received from this. Might need a few more watches 😂
Thanks! 🙏
he is saying that the peace terms proposed by Putin recently would just be temporary, Putin would only come back for Kyiv later on, if Ukraine, what is left of it, does not join Nato
Very good and insightful interview.
loved this interview
This is such a fun yet insightful interview
Tell your friends
This episode has proven that the hosts can conduct a decent interview without vulgarities. I unsubscribed last year because I found the frequent F-word unacceptable and disgusting. I still unsubscribe lah but this video appears so I watch it as I am keen to hear BK's views.
🤔
Myself going second round ,on this podcast , undoubtedly, still fun , lah chuckles . Of course, would check out your last update videos. And all the questions you guys to your candid but distinguish guest , firstly of his many answer and insightful thoughts, like managing the situation or national interest and of reality of existing problems . ...the discerning view on what is ,and important. And going forward, and what is important for the city state , one the key factor , is leadership. Wow ! I always believe that too. Not bad lah., second round still pick up , few important point earlier that i missed. 😂.
Watching the speech. Kind of remind me of Bruce Lee speech about water. "Be water, my friend.” The Yang and Ying of nature. Thats why Singapore needs to keep importing Indians, disregarding complains about CECA; so as to balance with the number of Chinese from Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, China. So that if the Malay/Indon Archipelago decide to invade, there be enough Chinese and Indians to fight. And coincidentally Bilahari is a Chinese/Indian mix parentage.
But the only think stick out from this conversation was when he said. Regarding what come next, the next generation will have to handle the war. This is the type of thinking very ingrained in our leaders. They think for what they have to do for the next election, for the next decade. Whatever shit comes next, is not their concern. Cause they too have observed, the sheeps have no concern.
Lee Kuan Yew must be smiling from above at his Ambassador Kausikan 👍🏼🙏🏼
very good interview
He remains as human, not a pumpkin to roll away. 😂
Wonderful dialog that I listened end to end. Learnt alot. Wld like to buy him a double scotch!
At the Tony Blair interview, the ludicrous interviewer asked Tony Blain "what he would advise LKY if he had a chance......"
🤷♂️
Because Tony Blair mentioned in the early part of that interview that the person he admires the most is Lee Kuan Yew. He is also the Dean of a school of public policy, and is teaching young leaders from around the world. The interviewer merely ask what can someone like Lee Kuan Yew learn, but Tony Blair immediately responded with Lee Kuan Yew, it's the reverse.
bilahari kausukan is distorting facts...he doesnt even know whats going on in the ground
Love the fact that Singapore have such bright people that build up Singapore
Half empty or half full ? who fills it?
I could listen to Bilhari and Kishore for hrs and hrs, we are blessed we have this people.
very different take compared to Kishore's interview. nice
My favourite sniggler
Even before Ukraine became independent it had begun expressing a desire to be rid of nuclear weapons in its soil.
Nukes demand a lot of maintenance . Ukraine neither had the money to do that nor the codes to use them . Most of its delivery systems were missiles meant to hit America or ICBMs not SRBMs it could have used as a deterrent .
Lastly , the US gave it a few billion dollars .
US was the most insistent party .
1:12:12 Out of Darkness movie. 45,000 years ago. Anyone remembers who is the creature monster it's symbolism? Thanks 🎉
Heh! Never discussed the cyber war that had already started and is going to be devastating in years to come😮
Hearing from him gives me peace and hope. I was “disturbed “ with the happenings and worry how it will affects Singapore.
@YahLahBut the 3 things Tony Blair mentioned are. 1 English main language. 2. SG will bring best intellectual capital to SG 3. No corruption
It already started
The divinci code is not bi 1:16:21 blical but
Former permanent member of WHAT? .... But you are permanent!!!!!!
well done to invite someone whom Some ASEAN Scholars accused as a cheap cia agent LOL and please don't ever compare him( mediocre) with our highly respected Kishore & George Yeo
Thought trump holds hand with poothin as he gravitates toward authoritarian?
The divinci code is certainly a jazzed up version of Jesus bashing. . If you seek the truth about Jesus's life dont ask Hollywood.!
Where to find the truth?
One of the best brains together with JY Pillai.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Sorry dude….Pillai is streets ahead🎉🎉🎉🎉
if our friends here think this man can advise them about geo politics, they are misguided. Hope you guys can invite Kishore & George Yeo and you make up your own mind of the profound differences and how knowledgeable both Kishore & George Yeo are . Good luck LOL
compared to The Great George Yeo, this man is only at Primary 2 level LOL he knows nothing much but talk much and too loudly
Mr Bilahari should go watch Tony Blair interview , love to hear what he thought about the 3 points he made about LKY
only he knows what diplomacy is🤨you cannot poke people in the eye so you cannot be honest lah
What does the guest think of India ?
, Salamud for smarther political diplomacy...It's times closer than before of two worlds of powers, Leassons need to be learned from the past and freedom need to preserved. conflicting is on the way soon !!, What I would like to ask exellency Bilajari how dangerous is in Lao PDR's situation in economic and political today especially in currency and managing development in focus? Thank you Sir...