Why Does Mahathir Use Singapore as a Distraction?

It's common in political strategy to use a distraction to divert attention from other critical issues. For former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Singapore has become a convenient bogeyman. This choice is strategic yet reflective of deeper psychological and political motivations. Let's explore why Mahathir might turn to Singapore as a means to distract his audience.

Psychological Leveraging

One of the primary reasons Mahathir uses Singapore is the psychological leverage it provides. By drawing comparisons and highlighting the progress of Singapore, he taps into a common narrative that resonates with his audience. When conveying dissatisfaction with his own country, home-grown criticism can be less appealing compared to comparisons with a known and successfully transforming entity like Singapore. Moreover, it's easier to rally the public against something they can see as 'excessive' or 'unnecessary.'

The Double-Edged Hammer

Using a comparison akin to double-edged strikes provides a potent and emotionally charged narrative. Picture this: imagine being hit on the toe with a hammer, followed by a knife slash that causes profuse bleeding. The pain is undoubtedly excruciating, but the public outcry might be louder over the visible bleeding. Similarly, Mahathir uses Malaysia being metaphorically attacked by a hammer, while portraying Singapore as having an imaginary 'slash,' focusing public attention on the bleeding wound.

Mahathir's Critique of Singapore

In a few candid remarks a few years ago, Mahathir conceded that Singapore may look wealthy and successful but noted deep-seated issues and unhappiness among its citizens. This acknowledgment, while partially a face-saving attempt, highlights a strategically placed assertion. For instance, stating that Singapore has numerous citizens with hidden poverty, such as the recent murder of a two-year-old in a rental flat by a native couple, serves to undermine its perceived perfection. He reiterates, Of course, we are luckier than most third-world countries. This statement is an acknowledgment of the struggles in developing nations, yet parsed in a way to imply that Malaysia is in a better position.

The Strategic Cape Horn

Mahathir, known to be familiar with Singapore due to his early medical student days, knows it well. He strategically uses Singapore as a cautionary tale and a model to highlight the potential consequences if Malaysia does not address its domestic problems. Singapore, both a reminder of Malaysia's past potential and a current successful example, becomes a powerful symbol. The ironic twist is that Malaysia, despite its known challenges, frequently falls back on an imagined threat from Singapore to gain attention and support.

Moreover, Mahathir's choice of Singapore as a distraction is a safe one, ensuring there is no risk of reciprocal retaliation. Unlike regional neighbors or global superpowers, Singapore's non-confrontational approach makes it a convenient and safe target. It allows Mahathir to criticize and rally support without fear of backlash, maintaining political stability through a fa?ade of opposition.