The Malaysian Insight

SOCIAL media users in Singapore and Malaysia have rallied around their countries’ national interests  as airspace and maritime disputes strain normally cordial ties between the two neighbours.

Singaporeans showed deep concern about the disputes, with many echoing the stance of their transport minister, Khaw Boon Wah, who said Malaysia’s claim on territorial waters was a challenge to the republic’s national interests.

Singapore Parliament Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin posted on Facebook last night that the maritime dispute was “serious”, and urged Singaporeans to stay “vigilant, resolute and united”.

“It’s important to understand what is happening and why. We want to remain good neighbours because it makes sense for both countries,” wrote Tan.

“Some of these issues aren’t new, but we have been able to build a constructive relationship in recent years. We have no quarrel with our Malaysian friends.

“Are these the acts of individuals? Do they reflect the collective intent? It’s hard to tell. But the developments are serious.

“Let us keep our thoughts with our men and women who are at the front safeguarding our home. Let us all stay vigilant, resolute and united.”

Earlier this week, Singapore accused Malaysia of unilaterally extending the limits of a port in Johor, going beyond “what even Malaysia itself claimed as its territorial waters”.

Yesterday in a statement, Khaw said Singapore would not allow its sovereignty to be violated, and if it became necessary, the country would not hesitate to take firm action against intrusions and unauthorised activities in its waters.

Earlier this week, Malaysian counterpart Anthony Loke told Parliament that Malaysia would seek to reclaim its airspace following its opposition to Singapore’s use of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and ILS Approach Procedures for its Seletar Airport.

Other Singaporeans vented their frustrations at being “bullied” by Malaysia, and called the Pakatan Harapan government to stop using Singapore as a distraction from local political issues.

On Facebook, Mark Ko warned Malaysia not to cross the line in challenging its neighbour.

“We are friendly but it does not mean that we are easily bullied. There’s always a line that one shouldn’t cross and the Malaysian government not only crossed it, but they have been testing it since PH took over,” he said.

“You can use Singapore as a distraction in your politics but this is a step too far.

“I’m glad our Minister stood his ground when tested and that the Ministry has decided to match the challenge from Malaysia,” Ko added.

Like Ko, Daniel Soong also implied that the Malaysian government was looking for a distraction to its problems.

“Their government faces (internal) problem! Beside the India temple issue, this coming weekend, there will be about 500,000 people turning up for a demonstration in KL.

“They want to create an international incident to unite their people!” he wrote on Facebook.

The temple issue refers to the racial tensions sparked by the recent Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riots, while the demonstration refers to tomorrow’s mega protest against the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), organised by Malay supremacist groups, Umno and PAS.

Another Facebook user Melvin Neo said that the disputes “disturbs the peace of our country” and told his fellow Singaporeans to “stay united and stand firm”.

“When the enemy comes marching, our guns should point out, never in. So please, keyboard warriors and armchair political advisers, it’s high time you woke up your ideas.”

Over in Malaysia, many social media users took note of Singapore’s vulnerability to threaten cutting off food and water supply to island republic.

“It’s simple if it’s up to me. Cut the water supply to Singapore. Demolish the Causeway. See what happens then,” said Facebook user Ashraf Yusof.

Singapore buys water from Johor and the Johor-Singapore Causeway links Johor Bahru in Malaysia across the Straits of Johor to Singapore’s Woodlands. It serves as a road and rail link to Singapore, while water is also piped into the island.

Another user Ahmad Albab said Malaysia should also stop sending sand and fresh produce to Singapore, adding that Malaysians who work in Singapore should find jobs at home.

“Don’t be Singapore’s coolies. Singapore is not a good neighbour,” he said.

Hundreds of thousands of Malaysians are currently working in Singapore. – December 7, 2018.