On Sunday, Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew began his four-day visit to Malaysia, which according to one statement, is to resolve outstanding bilateral issues between Singapore and Malaysia. This is of course normal between the leaders of two neighboring countries. Yet, given the statements of both these leaders in the past month or so, is that the only agenda?

In an interview given by Lee on Aug 15, he claimed that the recent in-roads made by PAS in Malaysia and the fluidity of the Indonesian situation is causing him sleepless nights.

Mahathir, of course had made many controversial statements recently. For instance, he claimed that the so-called Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, with ties in Indonesia and the Philippines, is planning the overthrow of the governments of these three countries.

In the 1960s, as Singapore premier, Lee perceived Singapore as similar to Israel; a tiny nation surrounded by its enemies. Out of his fear was born the Singapore National Service, a compulsory two-year military training for Singaporeans born on and after Jan 1, 1949. The Singapore government imported army personnel from Israel to train these young school leavers and millions of Singapore dollars were spent.

Ironically, at that particular period, PAS in Malaysia was ineffective and Indonesia under former president Suharto was relatively peaceful. Then came the Vietnam War. According to many political analysts at that time, the fall of South Vietnam to the Viet Congs would create a 'domino' effect on the surrounding countries.

At first, the Americans supported the South Vietnamese with arms but eventually American soldiers joined the war, on the side of the South Vietnamese. At home, many Americans were unhappy with the situation. The Viet Congs captured many American soldiers. Thousands more were killed or maimed.

At the height of American anti-war campaigns, Lee's was the loudest voice that called upon the Americans to not go home. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese died; the country was devastated. Both sides committed atrocities.

The Vietnam War culminated with the hasty withdrawal of the American forces and the fall of Saigon; Vietnam was reunited. Today, many Singaporeans are doing business and flourishing in Vietnam.

Well, here he is now in Malaysia meeting with Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the prime minister who is currently facing his greatest fight for survival after two decades of vacillating politics.

Given the economic recession that is now besetting Singapore and the newly-launched New Singapore initiative by Goh Chok Tong, prime minister of Singapore, these ex-dictator and dictator will have a lot to consult each other on. Make no mistake about it; political survival will be their main agenda.

Will Lee Kuan Yew lend his voice to support the declining influence of Mahathir, Umno and Barisan Nasional?

In my humble opinion, he will.