Singapore wins Pedra Branca - Malaysia wins Middle Rocks
Written by ED on May 23, 2008 – 7:02 pm - Posted in Current Affairs, Singapore |I am super elated that Singapore won the ownership of Pedra Branca, and I felt compelled to share my reasons instead of copying and pasting news reports. Trust me, some Malaysians will not like my real life experience I am going to share. Unlike many of you whom have never even seen Pedra Branca in real, I share a very personal relationship with this small little insignificant piece of land to some Singaporeans.
More than a century of history behind Pedra Branca, who would have thought Singapore and Malaysia would have to battle out the ownership for so long? I bet our previous colonial owners didn’t even foresee the impact of this island between the two countries.
Secretly, I have been hoping from the bottom of my heart that Singapore will retain ownership of the island. To win ownership of the island is not exactly the right term I feel. Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore all along since the colonial agreements, so what victory or loss is there to talk about? Instead, the judgement is a clear statement to Malaysia - if they had trouble understanding all those agreements.
But Singapore didn’t retain ownership solely because of these agreements. It’s the subsequent development and governance over the area that played the critical role in strengthening our case under the combination of various factors.
1. Personal relationship with Pedra Branca
Having worked around Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge waters, the view is absolutely stunning. Tell me, how many people have actually seen the sunrise and sunset upon Pedra Branca? How many people have drifted alongside Pedra Branca amid the worst storm with sea-state 4? I still remember how the white paint appeared yellowish as the first brim of sunlight rises from the horizon of South China Sea. It is just… GORGEOUS!
2. Collision of RSS Courageous
No doubt the collision of RSS Courageous was due to human error, lives were sacrificed in the process of protecting the island. If not for the judgement, it only meant we have been protecting something that didn’t belong to us. In another words, lives were sacrificed not for the good of Singapore. I am glad now, that even though it was a bad human error (and unpardonable), those lives lost out at sea didn’t go to waste.
3. Non-action by Malaysia
I was personally involved in the Search & Rescue of RSS Courageous in the subsequent days, and also the Search & Rescue for another sunken bunker about 7 nautical miles east of Pedra Branca. In a slightly less dangerous incident, we had to ensure the safe passage of an Indonesia fishing boat whose engine was down. We placed ourselves between the ships and the fishing boat, so ships will not accidentally run over them.I know some Malaysian friends may not like what I’m going to “testify”. In all 3 incidents, the Malaysian authorities were never once involved. They were not even at the scene of these incidents. The non-action by our Malaysia counterpart as cited by our Government is accurate, so to speak.
4. Middle Rocks is useless
That’s my own personal opinion. Winning the Middle Rocks may seemed like a fair judgement but anyone whom had visited the area knows Middle Rocks is as good as a wasteland. It is so small, that you can’t even build anything on it. As a rough comparison of the size for your convenience, Middle Rocks consist of two rock features side by side. Each rock formation is smaller than the size of Southern-most Tip of Singapore Mainland, which is linked to Sentosa by a bridge. So now figure, what can Malaysia do with that?
Despite the differences in opinions, I agree with the law professor on Channel NewsAsia that such a judgement will force both countries to work more closely together.
Now that Malaysia’s presence is affirmed in that area, the first thing I would love to see happen… is that Malaysia will be more proactive in disaster management such as ship collisions or search & rescue operations. Singaporeans who spend a lot of time along the Northen waters of Singapore will also know the fact, Malaysia Marine Police are nowhere to be seen too.
I’m crossing my fingers, that bilateral ties will improve.
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Kudos to Singapore as well as Malaysia. I think we should look at it as a win-win outcome and not with a lob sided view. I too have ply that waterways everytime leaving and coming back to Singapore during my younger days as a sailor. It has always been a joy to see the beaming lighthouse from afar… especially in a storm or in the still of the nite sky. Finally the case is settled and we all (Malaysian as well as Singaporean) can move on. I think, live is as back to the usual. Perhaps more Malaysian fishing vessels will be in the waters and the 900 ships plying the waters got to be more careful not to collide with any of them. It is time the Malaysian authority (Maritime or Navy) plays a role in safe guarding their asset. Perhaps more cooperation is expected between the 2 neighbors.
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May 24th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Today you win, tomorrow you lose even bigger!
We’ll start boycotting Singapore products!
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May 24th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Although Im a Malay and Malaysian (from the state of Johore, I couldnt agree with you more about the ICJs decision on Pulau Batu Putih. The British administration in Singapore built the lighthouse in 1851 and the Johor Government (also during the British colonial time) withdrew all claims on the island are two crystal-clear facts that the island should rigthfully belongs to the Republic of Singapore.
Nevertheless I hope our two governments would continue to work for am improved bilateral relation despite this legal exercise.
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May 24th, 2008 at 6:09 am
LOL!!!
http://fcuksingapore.blogspot.com/
FCuking funny!
Dont forget to add all the companies owned by GIC into your list…
really amusing…
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fcuksingapore should keep on your lambasting…that will do malaysia the screwed up whore of Asia more good…hi5 to bolehland.
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May 24th, 2008 at 8:55 am
The scene along the coast and islands of south china sea is beautiful. But that cannot be the reason the Singaporeans wanted the island so much. Most people (including average Singaporeans) know that the Sg gov wanted it so much because of strategic reasons in defence and survival of Sg economy by controlling as much waterways as possible. It is not impossible that Singapore will try take to take away Pulau Pisang 50 to 100 years from now. Both Pulau batu Puteh and Pulau Pisang are far away from Sg island but controlled by Sg. These tactics is used by Israel in the Middle East. It looks like the Israel advisors of Sg gov done their part very well in extending Sg territory in SEA. Bravo!!!
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May 24th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I’m Malaysian and I think fcuk above is an idiot. Acting like some 15-year-old.
aris is being more peaceable. Why have enemies without and we Malaysians have many enemies within, who seek to divide and conquer the country by making everyone racist. We can’t even be equal Malaysians, just based on the skin color and who our parents were.
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May 24th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Middle Rocks is useless from an infrastructure development point of view. But it has important implications on UNCLOS and boundaries I suppose. Still, Singapore did a great job at holding on to Pedra Branca with tooth and claw.
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May 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Can’t agree with you more. But i think we had underestimate Middlerocks. When we said Singapore won Pedra, we mention strategic, but when we mention Middlerocks, we only think of the size of it. It is also strategically placed and can be useful to malaysia. Both countries are not fighting for land but water.
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May 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Here’s a thought on how Singapore can take over Johor.
As you know, the crime rates in Johor is atrociously high. Almost as though the Malaysian Police are nowhere to be seen.
Singapore should allow us to file police reports in Singapore even for crime that’s committed in Johor. Then help us to investigate, catch the criminals, convict and penalize them in Singapore.
Then submit to ICJ that Singapore therefore has sovereignty over Johor.
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May 24th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Joe, name calling is equally childish. A pot calling the kettle black?? We can always agree to disagree.
I have spent more than 10 years in Singapore, and Singapore is no paradise as many here can confirm and testify.
Coming back to this Pulau Batu Puteh issue, what about this - On a similar note, it is said that Singapore is managing the purification of the raw water in Johor.
It is also said Singapore manages our air space as Malaysia lacks the facilities and technology.
Hence it is very possible that soon Singapore will be able to claim Johor’s purification plant and airspace as their own since they have been taking care of them for so long.
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name - calling is pathetic? THEN U ARE fucking pathetic *LOL* Maybe like most malaysians u are an ingrate too…spent 10 years on S’pore and spit on it online like a pussy…hahaha INGRATE SODOMIZER.
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May 25th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Sg acts aggressively in controlling what is not theirs. Do you all agree? If you are not agree then I give you unoffical facts from me. Before ICJ ruled that Pulau Batu Puteh to be given to Sg, SAF controlled the territory aggressively even it is not confirmed and still in discussion between two countries. In Pulau Pisang, My citizens and even security force cannot get into that area. It’s just a lighthouse (is it? nah, there are no military activity there…) in My territory but My forces don’t have power in it. It’s like you have a land and the authority has the power to enforce laws in the land but this is not the case with Sg controlled area. Read this (it has been translated): blog.limkitsiang.com/2008/05/23/kedaulatan-pulau-pisang/
The same goes with Sg water treatment area in Johor. I ever wonder if Sg worker ever need a passport to get to those places.
Sg has the control over My civil airspace because previously My don’t have the capability to control their own airspace. Now they have, will Sg give up their control on My airspace? Will Sg give up their control on Pulau Pisang? Will Sg let My do water treatment for Sg? You all know the answer. Like I said, it is not impossible that Sg try to take away places like Pulau Pisang in 50 to 100 years time, not now. It will use the same reason as they get Pulau Batu Puteh (effective control and administration in the place). My wins Sipadan using that reason too. If Sg ever willing to give up those things, they will come up crazy request for them to agree with. For eg, if My wants a bridge, then My have to give permissions for RSAF jet to fly above Johor (even without permisson, they flew beyond agreed area), give sand to Sg for reclaimation works so that Sg will become bigger and narrowing My commercial waterway.
Like Mahathir said, Sg is not a good neighbour. He said this in commenting about Sg attracted and protected Indon’s wanted millionaire and their money during Asia economic downturn and Id had a very hard time. My and Id angry with Sg as a neighbour not without reasons.
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May 25th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
[...] the very last comment left by Mr Chan Chin Chow (in this post), he asked in his first line “Singapore acts aggressively in controlling what is not theirs. [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am
[...] read two of Endoh’s posts here and here and the related [...]
May 26th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Although I know nuts about these issues for my age, I love this article posted by ED. I understand better and more now. Thanks, ED. I guess happy or not with the outcome, we shall repect the decision by ICJ. I am a Singaporean, but I don’t dislike Malaysia. I seriously think Malaysia and Singapore can work better together for the benefits of both countries. And I think the present Malaysia government is doing very well. Welcome, Pedra Branca (White Rock), Singapore!
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May 29th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
One of the best articles I’ve read in the course of my research of Pedra Branca!
It’s nice to hear about such a personal approach the whole issue.
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June 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Everyone should be happy it happened this way. I mean win - win situation could be the best answer for this long disputation. I am Malaysian but and I want to live in harmony with people..so let’s end this dispute and be harmony again!!!
Thank u.
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July 25th, 2008 at 9:51 am
fcuksingapore is a mental retard. if name-calling is useless as claimed by you, why is your name and fuck blog known as “fcuksingapore “??? Spent 10 yrs in your host country and being ungrateful…ingrate u are like malaysia. Perhaps like most ppl in Malaysia u are a sodomiser and pig-rapist.
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Hi, I appreciate your visit. I can understand your anger. At the same time, I would like to point out that it isn’t very nice to talk about sodomising or pig-rapist, especially when we know Malaysia is a muslim country.
I am perfectly fine with disagreements or heated debates. But using those terms, will not change their minds.
Thanks for dropping by once again.
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