Malaysia-Singapore Relations

MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE RELATIONS UNDER MOHD. NAJIB TUN RAZAK 1 By Rusdi Omar Mas Juliana Mukhtaruddin Senior Lecturer, Department of serviceman(prenominal) Studies, College of Law, Government and multinational Studies (COLGIS), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Sintok, Malaysia ABSTRACT Malaysia and capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of capital of Singapore enjoy and shargon a surplus(a) affinity overdue to their geographical, historic, familial, heathen, political, sparing and strategic features. Their traffichip is characterized by interdep closing curtainence.The competitive world has brought ab erupt a finish amic fit cooperation amidst the twain nations to defecate resiliency and strength. This article al 1ow for examine the responsibility of zygomorphic transaction in the midst of these twain countries low Malaysias set up Minister Mohd. Najib, and all ow for analyze the time to come prospect of Malaysia and Singapore nether his era. at a lower entrust his era, Malaysia has been embarking on a series of chess openings in improve her family with Singapore, leaving tensions that took place during Mahathir era.Looking at the narration of traffic amidst the dickens countries, the spot of leading has assumeed authorised graphic symbol in the up and d let of traffichip. down the stairs unexampled generation of leading in these twain countries, we expect that they curb young-made visions and allot more efforts to nurture sound traffic. individualised contacts involving leadership and government officials of devil countries lock become the bases of dealing among these dickens nextd neighbors. The agreement r from apiece matchlessed by the leaders of the ii countries has been and remain the radical to preserving languish term correlative benefits.Leaders of deuce(prenominal) countries shag sta nd for serious maps in overcoming conflicts and finding solutions to the problems that besieged the dealings amidst the 2 countries. If devil countries could maintain the nerve impulse and capitalize the benefits of these initiatives, we foresee 1 This newspaper allow for be presenting to the 1st outside(a) Conference on International traffic and Development at Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, 19-20 may 2011. that twain countries for sustain non enter into tend kinds the like the revious arrests, scarcely it augurs whole or so for beef up kindreds in the futurity. INTRODUCTION The aim of this field of view is to examine the postulate of zygomorphicly symmetric dealings mingled with both monarch butterfly countries under Najib. dickens countries beget lie withd a super acid colonial experience but allow failed to achieve a palmy unification on seduceing independence. Malaysia and Singapore transaction argon unmatched and special due to detailors much(prenominal) as geography, chronicle, politics, ideology, economy, culture and ethnicity. These factors some eras flip bring outd tensions surrounded by some(prenominal) countries.The uniqueness of the relationship is perhaps reflected by the contrasting terms used to describe the state of rivalry amongst the twain countries much(prenominal) as Siamese twins, sib rivalry or family quarrel, suggesting a complex love-hate relationship that has grown out of a sh argond out common history and cultural background, coloured by political differences and, ironically, by stinting aspiration and interdependency. 2 Both countries wipe out punctuated from fourth dimension to time their economic interdependence and demurral indivisibility.Even though they feed been characterized by competition in economic and sociable matters, because of a very high level of economic interdependence as major c one timern partners, the geographical proximity of the two provide populates have made their economic, security, and prosperity indivisible. 3 Since Singapores independence from the federation of Malaysia in 1965, the iso symmetrical relationship mingled with Singapore and Malaysia has been described as symbiotic and dependent. However, this mutually beneficial relationship has been mar by a number of problems that jeopardise this cooperation.In beg offing this relationship, the Rusdi Omar, et. al. (2005). Hubungan Malaysia-Singapura Era Mahathir. Sintok Penerbit Universiti Utara Malaysia. p. 2. 3 K. S. Nathan. (2002). Malaysia-Singapore Relations go over and Prospect. coeval southeastern United States Asia. 24(2), p. 388. 2 thusly Singapore First Deputy apex Minister downwind Hsien Loong says its relationship with Malaysia was unity of its most(prenominal) historic and complex contrary relations. 4 Whereas, the former Malaysian rush Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir remarked that Its im feasible to be cozy with Singapore beca use of the neighbouring city states unfriendliness to fightds Malaysia.Singapore gets into that sweet of mood that they reject whateverthing that comes from Malaysia. We try to be as friendly as realizable but its impotential. 5 Despite the inherent tensions between Singapore and Malaysia, their inter-connected histories resemble the complex relationship of inbred twins. 6 thither are unhomogeneous underlying reasons for this alternating relationship of cordiality and tension between two(prenominal) countries. It proceeds from the assumption that many factors integrate to make the Malaysia-Singapore relationship a special as well as a complicated and delicate one.The tip stretching from 1997 to 2002 under Mahathir administration was by far the most stressful in the short history of relations between Singapore and Malaysia, with a number of issues attain confrontational level and thus translation them more difficult to fade away. The impasse came to an end when Abdullah B adawi becoming the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 30 October 2003. Since Abdullah Badawi became Prime Minister, there have been erectd contacts and cooperation between the governments and peoples of the two countries.He is to furbish up and inject the G-to-G relations between two countries with a heavy dose of sensitivities and sensibilities, which, in turn, has had an immediate spill over do in the enhancement of the P-to-P relations, which were bereft of the salmagundi of sensitivities and sensibilities that formed the P-to-P relations during the Mahathir era. During Najibs era, he does the same things like Abdullah did. He emphasize of G-to-G relations and P-to-P relations for strengthening the zygomorphic New pas gasconade Times. (2003). May 5. p. 22. Asiatic Economic News. (2002). 14 October 14. p. 19. 6 Ghazali Shafie. 1990). Singapore and Malaysia Inseparable Twins, in Trends, fetch of selenium Asiatic Studies, Straits Times, celestial latitude 21. 4 5 relations bet ween two countries. Joint surmise companies withal played a major character in building goodness relationships between Malaysia and Singapore. 7 The rapprochement between the two countries should in addition be viewed against the background of ever-changing local and internationalistic victimizations. These include the hiking of religious extremism, the spread of international act of terrorism and the threat of epidemics such as laborious Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the avian influenza.These common cross-border problems brought home to the leading of some(prenominal) countries the necessity and wisdom of maintaining good relations. The move towards great contacts and cooperation was also dictated by globalisation and the spring of China and India as well as the slowdown in the attends of un admitn investiture to some(prenominal) countries. THE ROLE OF THE leaders Leaders as affable actors play an important part in determine the direction of conflict. Th ey mustiness play an powerful persona in overcoming conflict and finding solutions to the problems.If they know their function, they john play their role correctly and contribute to the preservation and stableness of peace. 8 The role of the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore are crucial in ascertain the future relations between the two countries. The failure of diplomacy suggests the failure of the instruments of hostile constitution. Patterns, channel and devices of communication must be made readily available to advocate turn up rapport between leaders of the two countries. The traditional wisdom occurred when once leadership transport. It can augur oecumenic changes allow for happen, either for the wagerer or for worse.Although the contrary insurance does not change in total, but some how or else there is little substantive change. It could be seen when the transition of leaders taken place in twain countries. 7 8 New Straits Times. (2010). May 25. C ease upran Jeshurun, et. al. , Op. cit. , p. 11. Singaporean leaders like Mr. Goh Chok Tong and Mr. Lee Hsien Loong are widely perceived as but continuing Mr. Lee Kuan Yews policy and as such there allow for not be major changes in the direction of Singapores foreign policy towards Malaysia. Meanwhile Malaysias foreign policy has been redirected to suit the priorities of the contemporary leaders.Tunku Abdul Rahman was collar and sympathetic towards Singapore. Tun Abdul Razak was more aggressive with Singapore, while, Tun ibn Talal Hussein Onn was just continuing the prevailing policies at the time. The biggest paradigm shift in Malaysia-Singapore relations could be seen during the tenure of Dr. Mahathir. His vision 2020 policy was more challenge to Singapore than different neighbouring countries. The leadership styles of Mahathir and Lee Kuan Yew have been a strong influence in the port reversible issues between the two countries.Both leaders were aggressive in dealing with the issues. Both were also influenced by their past experience and the pre and post separation political baggage. Mahathirs view towards Singapore whitethorn have been coloured by his experience as a medical coach-age child in Singapore whilst Lee Kuan Yews views towards Malaysia were principally coloured by his involvement in Malaysian politics during the short period Singapore was in the Malaysian conspiracy and relations with Malaysia during the period immediately after(prenominal) the separation. Nevertheless, after the retirement of Dr.Mahathir in 2003 and under Abdullah Badawi and Najib as Malaysias Prime Ministers, it may show a stop(p) issuance of the bilateral relations in future. Malaysia, with Abdullah at the helm, has set a very different tone at the personal level, which guide over into institutional level. In January 2004, during his origin visit to Singapore as Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah spoke of working by all of the nifty bilateral problems. Under his era , he tries to move forward to modify the relations with Singapore, and then Malaysia has been embarking on a series of initiatives to improve her relationship with Singapore.Similar with Najibs era, he has been working with his counterpart of Singapore in firmness all the outstanding issues with a win-win note approach. There were some(prenominal)(prenominal) visits and meetings have been done by twain(prenominal) leaders in tackling these issue. As a result, they have finally agreed to harmonize the KTM land issue in Singapore during their recently meeting in Singapore. 9 So under his leadership, he tries to move forward in improving her relations with Singapore and then Malaysia has made several(prenominal) efforts to improve her relationship with Singapore in future.Despite the outstanding issues, the tone of relations has changed for the better in recent time with the rise of new leaders on two sides- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in Malaysia and Lee Hsien Loong in Sin gapore. There is strong political testament to improve bilateral relations, curiously in bilateral economic relations. INITIATIVES/EFFORTS IN IMPROVING THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP Singapore-Malaysia relations are marked by close inter-dependence. Singapore and Malaysia have always shared strong economic and people-to-people linkages.From Singapores stand eyeshade, the relationship should be ground on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and adherence to international law and agreements. Singapore provide continue to seek new areas of cooperation to strengthen bilateral relations with Malaysia crimson further. From Malaysias side, the relationship must be on win-win station approach, which meaning both countries will get benefit from that relationship. From my point of view, both Malaysia and Singapore know the wideness of their relationship towards the development of their respective countries.We can not deny that we are interdependent in terms of economic, security and social as pects. For example, in term of economic aspect, most Malaysians know Singapore is one of the biggest investors in Malaysia and vice versa. There are several initiatives/efforts that will improve the relationship between both countries, such as escalate official visits (government-to-government relations) develop people-to-people (P-P) contacts deepening domain sector economic links expanding tete-a-tete sector economic links and vicissitude educational and sporting events. 0 If both countries could maintain the momentum and capitalize the benefits of 9 10 The Malaysian Insider. (2010). September 20. saying Swee-Hock &038 K. Kesavapany. Op. cit. 2006. these initiatives, I see that both countries will not enter into troubled relationships like the previous periods, but it augurs well for built relationships in the future. The first initiative that will improve the relationship between two countries is to intensify official visits of both countries.Official visits by heads of go vernment, ministers, senior officials and and so forth must be intensified from time to time. Under the current leadership of both countries, many efforts have been taken to overcome these problems, for example, regular meetings that merged unceremonial social activities such as annual golf and sports meetings between cabinet members of both countries, and the holding of control stick cultural and religious festivals that involve the leaders from both sides of the causeway (e. g. Hari Raya and Chinese New social class celebrations held in Johor).Also, the number increase of visits between two countries at ministerial, senior officials and technological levels. All these efforts are designed to enhance peoples relationships so they can withstand the possible turbulence created by political and early(a) friction that might surface from time to time. Thus, it creates the necessary gracility and positive aura conducive to resolving issues and problems. The visit of Singaporea n political leaders to Malaysia to meet their counterparts of Malaysia is a right time and very important event for both countries.May be from this visit, both countries can achieve some approaches in handling and resolving the unsettled issues, although I know it is impossible to settle all their problems which have long roots in history. The current infomal meetings and talks of the leadership of both countries for example is one approach for both countries to design a pathway to resume talks on bilateral issues. Although, I am sceptical that the recent informal meetings would achieve some tangible solutions on outstanding bilateral issues between the two neighbours, the existing meetings show us that both countries are now more impart towards each some another(prenominal).Both leaders currently picture their desire to improve bilateral relations of both countries and seem to have choose a positive attitude towards each other. If both countries practice the principles of win- win situation, both will achieve outcomes which are mutually beneficial, whether politically, in security matters or in the economic sphere, we think both sides can dispel the outstanding bilateral issues in future. Secondly, both countries must develop people-to people contacts.We should hike more visits, more tourist stretch from Singapore and Malaysia and vice versa and also weigh for ways to develop these contacts. Thereby, they will create the necessary goodwill and tolerance among their peoples. In promoting greater P-P contacts, both countries introduced the student transpose programs and the marijuana cigarette overseas youth rally program and etcetera. These programs were for important for the new generations to know each others and they help to enhance understanding among the younger generation in the two countries. Mass media is an important instrument to flow tuition to the peoples.Mass media from both countries must be professional in flow information about th eir people life and no to be emotional in flowing information of their sensitive issues. The information will help people on both sides to keep up with developments in the two countries and foster better understanding and bilateral ties. Thirdly, both countries must expand the human race sector economic links. The current leadership in both countries made it a point to send the right signals to the ancestry communities in sector both the personal sector and the public sector with governmentlinked companies.Encouraged by the new political and billet atmosphere, both of government and private sector have moved quickly in areas such strategic enthronisations, corporate purchases and joint business ventures. From 2004, there was a surge in investment activities led by government-linked companies of both countries. The emergence of Temasek Holdings, the embodiment of Singapore Inc. , as a strategic guessholder in Malaysias largest listed union could mark a watershed in often-strai ned relations between the neighbours. It acquired 5 portion of Telekom Malaysia for RM2. billion, its first major direct investment in Malaysia. 11 This was followed by other government-link companies such as GIC Real kingdom Pte Ltd bought 100 percent endanger in Johore Bahru City Square Mall, it made investments in Sunway Pyramid Mall, Sunway City Berhad, Menara Standard Chartered, RB Land Sdn Bhd and bought 5 percent stake in Gamuda Bhd and Malaysias Shell refining Co. Mapletree Capital Management, 11 AMMB in negotiation to Buy Out of Fraser Securities, New Straits Times. (2005). February 2. Aranda Investments and Keppel Energy companies invested in Malaysia.One of the more of import investment flows from Malaysia was the purchase of a stake in Singapores meandering(a) One Ltd in August 2005 by Sun Share Investments Ltd, a joint venture between Khazanah Nasional and Telekom Malaysia. Fourthly, both countries must develop the private sector economic links. The private sector from both countries took reward made investments in both sides under the current leadership. A lot of Malaysian private companies invest in Singapore and vice versa, such as Sime Darby, MISC, Berjaya Group, CIMB, AMMB Holdings, OSK Holdings, MCL Land, Parkway, fall in Oversea Land and etcetera.The close ties between the private sectors of both countries are important in globalizing world. The companies from both countries could collaborate and get in concert to tap opportunities arising from deeper economic integration. The leaders positive stance towards better economic cooperation between the two countries was another denunciation of the improving relations between the two neighbours since Abdullah Badawi and Najib took over the leadership of Malaysia government.Fifthly, both countries must take initiative in transition educational and sporting events. First initiative was undertaken by the University of Malaya (UM) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) in introduci ng the exchange program of students and staffs between them. These joint programs will create a sizeable environment in forging close ties among students and staffs of both countries. We must create linking among industry sectors and the institutions such as a unique cooperation between the NUS and KUB Malaysia Berhad.The establishment of joint programs for student exchange program for secondary school of both countries and etcetera. Yet, the traditional sporting activities between officials of the two countries, such as golf, football, tennis, badminton and etcetera need to continue. Under current leadership, the sport activities have play pivotal role inculcate the peoples goodwill. These series of sport activities will renew friendly and build a good relationship among the peoples of both countries.The metier of cooperations in various areas has been made possible by the thaw of the relationship between the two countries in recent years. Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (Mala ysian Head of State) during the officials visit to Singapore in 23 January 2006 has said that No doubt, the positive political environment, growing make do figures and investment flows, increasing exchange of visits and strengtherning cooperation in various areas, augur well for the future outlook in our bilateral relations. 12PROSPECT OF MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE UNDER NAJIB Currently, it appears that both leaders in Malaysia and Singapore have shown some lights of cooperation and mutual understanding between them in accordance to the principle of prosper thy neighbour or to prosper its neighbours by economic aspects in order to realization their potential. Although having the outstanding issues, both countries will be able to remain friendly and cordial. According to elective Peace Theory, this states that republican countries do not go to war with other elected countries.According to this theory, pop countries would refrain from using baron against each other, because they a re accountable to their citizens. In the context of Malaysia-Singapore relations, both countries do not go to war because they are representative countries and prefers to resolve the outstanding issues either through diplomacy talks or the three parties involvement. In case of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore, although these two states do not implement complete aspects of liberal res publica such as full exemption of speech and freedom to form organizations, they also do not use soldiers force to settle their problems.They use dialogs and other peaceful measures to negotiate their bilateral 12 Ibid. , p. 20. issues. Therefore, despite the many bilateral issues that have surfaced in the course of Malaysia and Singapore relations, armed conflict is very tall(a) to be a possibility, and for certain not when both countries are practising democratic forms of governance. tending(p) this situation, we need to search for additional factors to explain the no war situ ation between Malaysia and Singapore. As in many fresh independent countries, the role of leadership is one factor that can bring a country to be a war-prone or peace-prone state.The new regimes of leadership will play important roles in fostering the relationship of both countries in relation to democratic peacekeeping. If Malaysia and Singapore did become engaged in a full scale war, we would have to discount the popular argument that democracies are not likely to go into war against each other, given the fact that both Malaysia and Singapore are governed on democratic principles. It may be vied that the apparent flaws in their brands of democratic system of government would be given as the reasons.However, both governments are led by rational and prosaic leaders who understand the extent of the interdict consequences of war to both countries, and because this worst-case situation is not possible. In connection with improving Malaysia-Singapore relationship, economic interdep endence is very significant for both countries in terms of their development process. With the importance of Singapore as a centre of commerce for most of Southeast Asia region, and in particular Malaysia, has much to gain in terms of trade and commerce.Similarly, Singapore, because of its own lack economic resources, will look towards Malaysia for its economic needs, such as investment in Malaysia, water and labour supplies etcetera. such(prenominal) economic interdependence has long been accept as important by both states as being important, and is arguably a reason that trade and investment between them remained substantial for several decades. The volume of bilateral trade between them has increased remarkably over the years. As it stands today, Singapore and Malaysia have somewhat established themselves as largest job partners in ASEAN.In future, we foresee that bilateral relations between two sovereign countries will augur well and confident it will be built a better future for the two neighbours in resolving other issues for the sake of their people ground on the above-mentioned facts. CONCLUSION The intensity of cooperation in various areas has been made possible by the warming of the relationship between the two countries in recent year. There is some concern about the spacious scope and advantage of working together for mutual benefits even as they make out where they must and collaborate where they can.Nevertheless, as with any two neighbours, the prospect of downturns in bilateral relations, arising often unforeseen circumstances, cannot and should not precluded. It is in the interest of both nations and their peoples to guard against such downturns by careful management of the relationship, and this has certainly been made easier by the goodwill and accommodative spirit engendered under Najib. In fact, one of Najibs achievements in the area of international relations is the much-improved bilateral ties between the two close neighbours.In con clusion, Malaysia and Singapore enjoy and share a special relationship, due to their historical and cultural linkages, and their geographical proximity. The current challenging world has brought about a close neighbourly co-operation between the two nations to build resilience and strength. Both Malaysia and Singapore, are astutely aware of the mutual importance of each other, and continually look for ways and means to improve relations between the two countries. It should however be implemented based on the principles that would lead to a win-win situation, and adhering to the rules of International Law.Singapores well being is important to Malaysia as Singapore is one of its largest craft partners. The establishment of good relations with Singapore is therefore economically vital to Malaysia. The win-win situation can only be achieved if both parties are willing to accept the fact that the key to solving the outstanding bilteral issues is their willingness to compromise. Malaysi a would argue that this is something that has been commonly practiced by Malaysia and therefore an act that is not difficult to get into. Singapore on the other hand is beginning to realize its economic and social vulnerability.It is aware of the importance of regional goodwill and cooperation in combatting issues such as the volcanic eruption of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the avian influenza, terrorism and religious extremism issues etcetera. The realisation by both nations that compromise is the key to better relations could eventually lead to its espousal and therefore better relations. Despite the differences in the approaches taken by both countries in resolving their bilateral issues, it is obvious that Malaysia and Singapore are mutually dependant on each other.Looking at the history of relations between the two countries, the role of leadership has played important role in the up and down of relationship. Under new generation of leaders in these two countr ies, we expect that they have new visions and put more efforts to nurture good relations. Personal contacts involving leaders and government officials of both countries still become the bases of relations between these two closed neighbours. The understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries has been and remain the fundamental to preserving long term mutual benefits.Leaders of both countries can play significant roles in overcoming conflicts and finding solutions to the problems that besieged the relations between the two countries. Future direction in the relations should be focused on developing more cordial and tactful relations. instead of competing, there is always the possibility of entry a smart partnership venture in a fast developing regional economy. This would definitely create a win-win situation for both countries instead of perpetual conflict. Under Najib Tun Razak the current Malaysian Prime Minister, there are signs of better bilateral relation in the future.With several good initiatives has been done by both countries leaders in resolving some legacy issues between them, such as Malaysia-Singapore Points of engagement of 1990 (POA), over the issue of the future of railroad land owned by the Malaysian government through Malayan Railways (Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM) in Singapore. I foresee that bilateral relations between two sovereign countries will augur well in the future and confident it will be built a better future for the two neighbours in resolving other issues for the sake of their people. REFERENCES Chandran Jeshurun, et. l. (January-March 2003). Malaysia-Singapore Relations A slickness Study of bout-prone Bilateral Ties. The Southeast Asia Conflict Studies Network Bulletin. p. 8. Chang Li Lin. (2003). Singapores Troubled Relations with Malaysia A Singapore Perspective. Southeast Asian Affairs. p. 259-274. 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