In response to the widespread anti-Japan protests in East Asia, some pro-Japanese apologists have - again - resorted to the argument that whatever the wrongs Imperial Japan had done to the people in China, the Korean peninsular and Southeast Asia, we must not be too vocal in voicing our anger because we need Japan's business, investment and trade.

I think these pro-Japanese apologists are still living in the past.

Malaysia, Singapore and other East Asian countries certainly need business, investment and trade but now in the 21st century, Japan is not the only wealthy or economically advanced country that can provide investment funds and trade.

China, India and South Korea, for example, have developed and have become economic powers in their own right. We should lessen our over-dependency on Japan by cultivating better business, economic and financial ties with these three 'tigers'.

For example, Indian's computer software is as good as - if not better than - Japan's. South Korea's cars and vehicles can also be made substitutes for Japan's. China can supply textiles and other consumer goods much cheaper than Japan can.

China, South Korea and India should form a new Asian core group to displace Japan and to provide political and economic leadership (minus militaristic ambitions) for all Asians.

Besides these three countries, there are also other alternatives like Australia, New Zealand, Germany and France whose friendships we can benefit from both economically and financially.

Japan is no longer the only developed country we know in Asia or in the world. In fact, it is a fast becoming a declining power and that is why it is desperate enough to buy American patronage and protection by sending its own troops in harm's way to Iraq.

In this 21st century, we can say no to Japan although it was no possible in the 1960s, 70s or early 80s.