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.
TAN CHEE YONG
Kajang, Selangor