L.A.M. on the Water and Air Space Disputes of 2018

Dear friends on both sides of the Causeway. To say that we live in tumultuous times is an exaggeration. However, the fact is, one wrong move, a series of unexpected tense bilateral escalations and one itchy trigger finger is what separates us from possible war.

In times like these, it is important to remind ourselves that we share more than just 2 land bridges and a love for chendol (or “cendol”). We are each other’s top 3 trading partner. Virtually everyone has a friend or family on the other side of the Causeway. Historically, we have been together far longer than we have been apart.

During more peaceful times, we are your largest fan and supporter. We poured in more investments into Malaysia than any other country in the world. We are the largest foreign employer of Malaysian labour. When we are not playing against you in the AFF Suzuki Cup, we cheered for you.

Despite our tense relationship with Mahathir, we celebrated with you when you overthrew a kleptocracy. To show that we wanted to develop closer ties, we reached out with an olive branch when Mahathir was in Singapore. We gave him an honorary degree and named an Orchid after him, which is probably the highest unofficial honor you can get in Singapore.

During trying times, we are your biggest helping hand. When Johor Bahru went through a drought this year, we supplied more treated water, above and beyond our contractual obligations.

When MH370 crashed, we mourned with you and provided aid and support in every way we can. When you said you were broke, we reduced the penalty for postponing the bilaterally agreed HSR down to a token $15m.

When a judge said that Zaleha’s chicken rendang should be crispy on MasterChef UK, we called him out on his ignorance.

When tsunami struck in 2004, our soldiers were the first on the line to support you. When Jho Low embezzled money from 1MDB through the global financial market, impacting over a dozen financial systems, we were the first to put him on Interpol’s wanted list. We remain today, the first and only country, to jail and fine misbehaving bankers and the only country to have closed 2 banks, all these while your courts claimed there was no wrongdoing.

There is a lot of fake news and biased reporting circulating online. Many of which tries to divide us. There is probably a high chance a vengeful nonagenarian is stirring up tensions to distract everyone from the weekend’s protests and that he is an Emperor with no clothes. Regardless of who is right, there is one truth: We have much more that unites us than divides us.

I admit that we appear rigid and stuck up because we live in a “fine” city. But trust me when I say this. Deep down, beyond this stuck up, rigid facade, we genuinely wish you well. When you fall, we mourn with you, when you rise, we cheer with you. Because at the end of the day, we are not just neighbours. We are brothers.

L.A.M.