New Straits Times

SUPPORT MAY IN THIS CRUCIAL MOMENT

- TAN CHEE YONG Kajang, Selangor

FROM the day the United Kingdom voted for Brexit, British Prime Minister Theresa May has been doing an almost impossible job of negotiatin­g a win-win deal for the country.

There may be imperfecti­ons in the deal, such as the Irish “backstop” (which puts Northern Ireland in line with most of the European Union single-market regulation­s if a trade agreement is not reached by the end of 2021) and the temporary UK-EU arrangemen­t in which the European Court of Justice (ECJ) jurisdicti­on continues to be applied.

But we must not forget that compromise­s need to be made to ensure a smooth transition period, which is crucial for businesses and people from both sides of the sea.

Brexiteers must accept the fact that there is no single Brexit version that is entirely acceptable to the British people. Uncertaint­y is the only word that is appropriat­e to describe Brexit given its ambiguous nature.

So why should we impose harsh judgment upon May when she has tried her best to ensure certainty and stability for the UK while respecting the referendum result?

I have great respect for May’s determinat­ion and her strenuous efforts in negotiatin­g this deal for the country.

And I believe that at this crucial moment, the only way forward for the UK is to unite behind her and to get the job done.

Britain simply cannot afford a Brexit that risks jeopardisi­ng the economy and interests of the people.

I hope the sense of tranquilit­y and rationalit­y can guide the British leaders through this difficult moment.

Britain’s tomorrow deserves to be better. In spite of all the difference­s, I hope that all parties can all work together to resolve the crisis.

As Brexit’s deadline approaches (March 29), the most sensible and sober option for the UK is to back May.

 ??  ?? British Prime Minister Theresa May
British Prime Minister Theresa May

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