Politicians try their best to speak with political correctness in front of the people they are addressing, while diplomats are trained in protocols and to be diplomatic.
What are normally said by them are generally what can be expected or predictable. But now and again, we come across exceptions to the rule, which make life more interesting. Like what Al Gore said, as then Vice President of USA, at a dinner in Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of then PM, Dr. Mahathir.
Political opponents on the other hand can be vicious (no holds barred) against each other, when making statements or even false allegations. But when an opponent died, immediately, his greatest political enemy is likely to say something like, 'He was a great man, greatly respected by all... we are going to miss him.' This reminds me of a sketch in Not the 9 o'clock News years ago, where two political opponets were arguing 'tooth and nail' on stage, and suddenly, one of them collapsed and died. You can guess what the opponent said immediately, appearing sorrowful!
Generally, between Britain and USA, the former tends to be more polite while the latter more direct when making statements.
Below is a list prepared by someone (tongue in cheek) which gives us an idea of what is said officially by the British, what they mean, as well as what foreigners might think they understand:
So far, President Obama's statements while on an official visit to Malaysia, have been direct, leaving no doubt what he means. But to most Malaysians used to our political leaders, though we welcome Obama's criticisms of Malaysian leadership, we are afraid, our PM and his cabinet members are likely to think otherwise. Very likely, they will put up a brave front while the President calls a spade a spade, and continue with the status quo and thinking, 'You can keep your democratic principles, we have our own version and we are very happy with it.'
Some headlines in Malaysiakini speak for themselves as to what President Obama meant:
'Najib a reformer with much to do'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261198
'Obama: Discrimination a hurdle for M'sia's success'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261192
'Obama: It doesn't mean we don't care about Anwar'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261184
'Obama urges 'full transparency' over MH 370'.
Link
What are normally said by them are generally what can be expected or predictable. But now and again, we come across exceptions to the rule, which make life more interesting. Like what Al Gore said, as then Vice President of USA, at a dinner in Kuala Lumpur, in the presence of then PM, Dr. Mahathir.
Political opponents on the other hand can be vicious (no holds barred) against each other, when making statements or even false allegations. But when an opponent died, immediately, his greatest political enemy is likely to say something like, 'He was a great man, greatly respected by all... we are going to miss him.' This reminds me of a sketch in Not the 9 o'clock News years ago, where two political opponets were arguing 'tooth and nail' on stage, and suddenly, one of them collapsed and died. You can guess what the opponent said immediately, appearing sorrowful!
Generally, between Britain and USA, the former tends to be more polite while the latter more direct when making statements.
Below is a list prepared by someone (tongue in cheek) which gives us an idea of what is said officially by the British, what they mean, as well as what foreigners might think they understand:
So far, President Obama's statements while on an official visit to Malaysia, have been direct, leaving no doubt what he means. But to most Malaysians used to our political leaders, though we welcome Obama's criticisms of Malaysian leadership, we are afraid, our PM and his cabinet members are likely to think otherwise. Very likely, they will put up a brave front while the President calls a spade a spade, and continue with the status quo and thinking, 'You can keep your democratic principles, we have our own version and we are very happy with it.'
Some headlines in Malaysiakini speak for themselves as to what President Obama meant:
'Najib a reformer with much to do'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261198
'Obama: Discrimination a hurdle for M'sia's success'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261192
'Obama: It doesn't mean we don't care about Anwar'
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261184
'Obama urges 'full transparency' over MH 370'.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/261174
Update: Example of what Obama said and what he meant, according to Raub MP, YB Ariff Sabri:
'President Obama says Dato Najib has the instincts for unity and moderation. That’s a most diplomatic way of saying- hey man I think you suck. It only serves to confirm that Najib is not a rational leader who believes that the way forward is moderation and unity.'
Source: http://sakmongkol.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-obama-visit.html
Update: Example of what Obama said and what he meant, according to Raub MP, YB Ariff Sabri:
'President Obama says Dato Najib has the instincts for unity and moderation. That’s a most diplomatic way of saying- hey man I think you suck. It only serves to confirm that Najib is not a rational leader who believes that the way forward is moderation and unity.'
Source: http://sakmongkol.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-obama-visit.html
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