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| Opinion: |
Singapore-Malaysia relations:
Ties that bind
(Assoc. Prof. Lee Lai To and Assoc. Prof. Bilveer
Singh.) |
Introduction
Since Singapore’s separation from Malaysia in August
1965, relations between both countries have roller-coastered,
alternating between normality and acrimony over a host
of issues. Following the uncertainty surrounding Singapore’s
sovereign statehood, the Republic has made remarkable
progress in various areas, with its exponential economic
growth being its most outstanding achievement. Similarly,
Malaysia has made tremendous all-round progress, especially
in the economic arena as well as has been active internationally.
Destined to be proximate neighbours, sharing many commonalities
and yet separated by various divides, Singapore and Malaysia
have been both partners and competitors. History, geography,
demography, economy and the changing strategic environment
have ensured that competition between the two did not
get out of control as the synergies from cooperation
have proved to be mutually beneficial and rewarding.
This was particularly true in times of uncertain regional
and global challenges and uncertainties
To that extent, the constitutional separation of Singapore
from Malaysia in 1965 has never really insulated the
politics of either state from each other. They have remained
joined by the causeway, commercial and family ties and
most importantly mutual cooperation to enhance their
respective national interests. While these have created
the setting for the emergence of the best of friends,
yet due to the recent past, role of personalities, different
outlooks and negative mirror images and intense competition,
have created frictions which in turn have the potential
to create uncertainties in a region of vital importance
to the great powers. This has been one of the key paradoxes
of Singapore-Malaysia relations since the mid-1960s.
Factors Driving Singapore-Malaysian Relations
In addition to a common colonial past, a number of factors
have helped to shape the character, tone and direction
of Singapore-Malaysia relations. The most important among
these are: Historical linkages, geographical propinquity,
race and religion, economic relations, strategic environment
and leadership perceptions.
The ‘Great Divide’
A multiplicity of political, economic, racial-religious,
territorial, military-security and foreign policy issues
have created the great divide between the two neighbours
who are otherwise said to be enjoying a ‘special
relationship’ of a sort. More specifically, past
and ongoing differences include: causes of separation,
ownership of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Putih), rental
of K.D. Malaya (naval base), Malayan Railway Land, water
issue, position of Singapore Malays, Herzog Affair and
relations with Israel, US bases in Singapore and continued
pro-US stance of the Republic, Re-merger issue, CIQ issue,
violations of Malaysian airspace by RSAF planes, Lee
Kuan Yew’s memoirs, CLOB, CPF withdrawals by Malaysians,
Tekong reclamation, FPDA exercises, Singapore defence
capabilities and regional security approaches (ZOPFAN,
SEANWFZ, etc).
The Cooperative-Convergence Dimension
While issues that divide Singapore and Malaysia are often
highlighted, what cannot be denied is the cumulative
growth of cooperation and convergence between the two.
In many ways, due to the manner of separation, asymmetry
in all-round capabilities, ethnic-religious divide, assertion
of their respective independence and increased all-round
competitiveness, the cooperative dimension of ties often
tend to be downplayed. Yet, this is the real ballast
in the bilateral ties between the two countries. The
benefits of such cooperation will ensure that no matter
how difficult bilateral relations deteriorate, there
is a clear consciousness that nothing can be gained by
this with everything to lose if specific issues are allowed
to hurt the overall bilateral relations.
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