How to deal with stupid people? Make hay while the sun shines

‘I honestly have nothing to say today except that I really don’t want to be ruled by the stupid.’ This is what Marina Mahathir, daughter Dr Mahathir, said in response to Najib’s retraction on his promise to remove the ISA. I am not sure if she is referring to Najib or Mahathir as Mahathir is the one that ‘spearheaded the call to retain the Act that Malay groups and most in the party say is crucial to defending the sanctity of Malay rights and Islam.’ Now the big question, is Najib stupid to retract his promise just because Mahathir instigated the UMNO ultras to force him to do so, and now looking stupider to everyone, to the bumis and non bumis? Or is Mahathir stupid to get the ultras to push for the retention of the ISA?

I think whoever is the stupid one is not material. What is important is to know how to deal with stupid people. Yes, make hay while the sun shines. Singapore or Hsien Loong just did that. After two decades of wrangling with the recalcitrant Mahathir to redevelop the Malayan Railway land, and in total failure, here came the white knight in Najib. In his new promise of a pragmatic leadership, to push Malaysia to a higher level of economic development, putting aside unproductive politicking, an economic and pro business deal was struck. An agreement was signed between Najib and Hsien Loong to remove this historical baggage of ill will. Both sides are happy with the deal. Malaysia was lagi happy when they won the international court ruling on not having to pay redevelopment fees on the use of the railway land.

The funny thing is that Singapore was deliriously happy with losing that legal tussle. I have been wondering why for quite some time. Now the answer is crystal clear. There was a small window to make things happened. Without losing a second, Hsien Loong was all graciousness and generous and offer everything that Najib asked for, topping it up with more icing. He probably knew that the window would be shut anytime without any notice or sign of a change in their party politiking.

When dealing with stupid people, this is the most important and effective strategy. Make hay while the sun shines. You wound know when the dull clouds would return, follow by thunderstorms and monsoons. But a word of caution. This strategy can only be adopted when the assets are here in Singapore where the rules and laws or agreements cannot be changed, cannot be retracted.

Things in Malaysia are quite predictable, really, if you understand what Marina Mahathir is saying.

Kopi Level - Red