Issue regarding de-recognition of Crimea State Medical University is currently being hotly contested in the Malaysian Parliament. The government states that the reason for de-recognition of the university is the increasing student to lecturer ratio. One of the ruling coalition members, Malaysian Indian Congress argues that the de-recognition comes because there is more Malaysian Indians than Malaysian Malays in the university – hence the argument of the government trying to prevent more Malaysian Indians from becoming doctors. Whatever it may be, so far, all arguments originate internally and might I add, unconvincing. And nobody as yet, has postulated a possible external factor.

Let me explain what this external factor could be.

Just a few minutes ago, I saw BBC World News and it was a report about Viktor Yushchenko in France talking about a possible ascension of Ukraine into the European Union. Now, remember that Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin during the infamous bitterly held 2004 Ukrainian presidential election. At the same time, he is a pro-western and his rival in the presidential race was pro-Moscow.

Yushchenko won that ballot but Russia and pro-Moscow Ukrainians were unhappy with the election result. There were some reluctance on the pro-Moscow side to admit defeat to Yushchenko and later, committed election fraud. But in the end, after heavy local and international pressure, Yushchenko received the presidency.

From 2004, let’s roll to 2001 when Russia sold a number of MiG’s to Malaysia. If I am correct, Malaysia and Russia reached a new level of understanding in several areas like trade and education. If information at ReCom.org is accurate, the recognition of various universities under Russia’s sphere of influence came merely weeks after the understanding.

Do you see where I’m heading?

Russia is no doubt unhappy with the change in Ukraine. Concurrently, Russia has veto power in the UN Security Council and Russian President Vladimir Putin ultimately rules Russia. He has shown the world that he is more willing to flex his muscle. Yukos is an excellent example.

Tying the ribbon, it is quite possible that Russia is pulling strings somewhere in order to give Ukraine a hard time while the people in the upper Malaysian echelon are bending to Putin’s demand.

How probable could that be? I don’t know.

p/s - OMG! Please stop this "Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?" Like wildfire, it is burning rationality out of the Malaysian blogosphere. You are you. Take a hint.