In his latest blog entry, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim likened China’s influence in this part of the world today to their immense success as international traders under Emperor Yong Le, who sent Hang Li Po to keep Sultan Mansur Shah of Malacca “happy” as the royal’s fifth wife.
He said that although China’s influence waned 20 years down the line under a new emperor, Najib’s “new friendship” with China has meant a revival of its influence.
“As a Bugis warrior, Najib certainly must not forgive the US for its handling of 1MDB.
“As a warrior, he must show he has influence and power to help Uncle Sam’s enemy — China,” Zaid said, noting the many investments by the Chinese Government in East Malaysia as well as in Pahang, Johor, Perak and Malacca.
He also mentioned the new rail line, port, power plant and Bandar Malaysia project in Kuala Lumpur.
“We have never been peacefully conquered like this before.
“The number of contracts and business deals that the prime minister brought to China probably exceeds RM300 billion and much more will be forthcoming,” Zaid said.
He also said he would “accept with humility” that he was wrong and Najib was right that cash was king.
Last year, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad claimed that Najib told him that “cash is king” after he had questioned the latter’s Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) cash aid policy.
BR1M was introduced in 2012. It provided cash aid of RM500 to households with an income of RM3,000 and below.
“If you have money, you are king. Our prime minister might have a few billion from his ‘family fortune’ but he too must accept that President Xi Jinping has more. The one who has more is the real king.”
Joking that he should now visit Hang Li Po’s well in Malacca and “drink some water for good fortune” apart from learning Mandarin, if he ever hoped to get a job in Malaysia, Zaid ended his blog entry by saying:
“Hang Li Po, I know you are smiling with satisfaction from the heavens, but have pity on us.
“Don’t take away everything from my beloved country. Leave some for my grandchildren to savour.”