Category: ASEAN

For the past few weeks, I have been over my head, talking about how Malaysia could expand its boundary with the ascension of Brunei, Sumatra, several troubled Malay Thai states and Singapore into the Union. Imagine the excitement of a greater Malaysian Federation. Nevertheless, I would prefer Malaysia to be a union of 13 states, as it has been since 1965. Malaysia, as it is, is stable and progressive nation. When there’s trouble brewing up in Southeast Asia, Malaysia will be one of the last few places that I would expect a meltdown. Inclusion of any other state mentioned earlier – perhaps excluding Brunei – will definitely disturb Malaysian equation.

Why is so?

Let’s take Sumatra first. The reason I gave for annexation of Sumatra is to internalize Sumatra environmental problem. It’s a method to solve Malaysian yearly haze issue but the cost far outweighs the benefit. After all, who in his sane mind would bring Malaysia to war with Indonesia. Indonesia has more than 200 million people while Malaysia has merely 26 million. Though Malaysian military is far better-equipped than its Indonesian counterpart, it will be an endless war – the Iran-Iraq war offer a glimpse of things to come if we blunders into war. Moreover, Malaysia is strong because of its economy. War will only wreck havoc to both Malaysian and Indonesian bloodline.

War is not the answer. Indeed, the answer to almost anything is always economics. With regard to environmental externality caused by open burning in Sumatra, Coase theorem in particular provides a roughly guideline on how to tackle it effectively.

Futhermore, Sumatra is prone to natural disaster and Sumatra has always been Malaysia’s natural shield against mother nature’s fury. I’d rather somebody else get hold of Sumatra. Let them face the challenges of managing Sumatra. Moreover, like some have mentioned, NEP for millions more is not really a pretty sight.

Then we have the Malay Thai states.

I’ve always believe that happiness is always easier to achieve if we as a society work towards economic prosperity. It’s true that life is more than hard cold cash but trust me, it’s money that enables us to engage life to the fullest. Economic prosperity demands a stable environment. It follows that it’s Malaysia best interest to not undermine the situation in southern Thailand.

The current conflict will affect trade and that will affect Malaysians that are dependent on trade near the Malaysian-Thai border. For the sake of our own well-being, Malaysia must proactively work towards a harmonious southern Thailand. As such, it is only natural for Malaysia to assist Thailand in any way we can to defuse the tension while observing human rights.

Finally, it’s Singapore. Singapore is always a fun punch bag to be with. Incorporating the island into Malaysia will only deprive us of one. But seriously, Singapore will also be something for Malaysia to look up for. Singapore has managed to overcome serious developmental issue. Subsequently, Singaporean experience is valuable. As time goes by, I’m sure the people on the other side of the strait will provide Malaysia an excellent ongoing case study.

I might however love to see Brunei ascends into the Federation though; not for its natural resources or about having a greater Federation. It’s simply an act of realizing the original dream our founding fathers. A friendly reinvitation is definitely not uncalled for and both Brunei and Malaysia have a lot to gain together. Singapore was part of the Federation but they and us chose to go separate paths and we as Malaysians must respect that.

Of course, the state of our current union is anything but perfect. But then again, there is no such thing as utopia. Discrimination is an open secret while inefficiency still hunts us. And somehow, there are still some distrust between east and west Malaysia. All we can do is perpetually strive for the best for a better union.

If ever we seek a greater Federation, ASEAN should be enough. Either way, globalization will diminish artificial barriers and in the end, there will only be one – humanity itself.

Still, all hail to the Federation.

May our ideal of a perfect union outlives time.

p/s – salute to The Colonel’s Diary – the only other blog that I know of in Malaysian blogosphere that celebrates September 16, the date of the formation of our Federation.

We have Brunei, the whole Sumatra island and a couple of southern Thai states incorporated into Malaysian Federation. Thus, only a piece of land remains – Singapore, Singapura in Malay or Temasek as it was known in not-so-ancient time.

We’ll start with a re-invitation into the Federation. The Lee royal family – hey, Singapore is run by the Lees – will most likely reject the offer. Upon rejection, we’ll move swiftly to plan B.

Plan B is the Kra Canal. We’ll cut through the Kra isthmus just for the sake of annoying the people living on an island drinking you know what. Of course, Malaysian ports will suffer what Singaporean port will do – decline of ships calling for port. However, we’ll have new port at Kra. That new port will be the new Singapore. So, Malaysia can afford to see Klang and other ports to slowly degrade into relatively unimportance. Singapore, unfortunately, cannot. Their economy will suffer a large dent or two as Singapore loses its entrepot status.

Nevertheless, Singaporeans are resourceful people. I can personally guarantee you that. As such, I’m sure they will think of something to rejuvenate their disturbed economy. I’ve read somewhere that they are going into biotechology. Furthermore, they have a strong tertiary institutions. That itself may make Singapore into a world-class learning center, based on kiasuism.

Regardless, after the opening of Kra Canal, the Federation should offer its gate to Singapore once again. This time, the Federation has truly the upper hand. If they refuse, then there is only one option left – plan C. That’s invasion.

This war will be the war to end all wars. It will be the finale of Mahathir versus Lee Kuan Yew, UMNO versus PAP, Xia Xue versus ShaolinTiger (or not); you name it. It’s the event that we all have been waiting for since 1965. It’s Bolehland versus Kiasuland, round nth!

So, assuming Brunei ascends into Malaysia, along with annexation of Sumatra and several southern Malay Thai states’ decision to join the Federation, before Singapore:

Assuming Malaysian victory, entirely dependent on our boleh spirit:

Somehow, this map doesn’t give the satisfaction of occupying Singapore. I wonder why?

Maybe it’s not worth running over Singapore. I mean, you can’t even see that island on the map. Maybe, we should go for a larger prize.

Australia is fun!

In recent past, separatist movements in southern Thailand are becoming active again after being dormant for decades. Despite this being Thailand’s internal matter, unfortunately, Malaysia has been unnecessarily dragged into the chaos. Along the way, Thailand has been accusing Malaysia of aiding and fuelling the rebellion. Malaysia denies such allegation. Personally, I’m tired of seeing Malaysia becoming Thai authority’s scapegoat. Now, it’s time to make a stand in a true Pat Robertson’s style – if they think we’re covertly aiding the Malay Thai separatists, we ought to go ahead and do it.

Malaysia is not foreign to covert operations. During confrontation with Indonesia back in the 1960s, Malaysia along with its Commonwealth allies managed to stimulate a coup d’tat in against Sukarno and the communist in Jakarta. That in effect ended the Malaysia-Indonesia war. Another proof of Malaysia’s ability is Mindanao rebels. Malaysian subterfuge activities in southern Philippines were retaliatory in nature. It was done to counter the Philippines’ effort to plant separatist ideas in Sabah despite the north Borneo states’ decision to join the Federation. Several decades later, we can clearly see how the Philippines is still trying to contain the rebels while Sabah remains as a member of the Federation. The expertise gained in previous missions could be utilized to throw these Malay Thai rebels a party.

Malaysia doesn’t need to explicitly send troops to Thailand to aid the separatists. It’s sufficed to force Thailand to conduct a plebiscite via the United Nations – self-ruled or continuation of Thai sovereignty – just like how East Timor gained its independence from Indonesia. The Malay Thai states that should be offered the option are Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Maybe even Satun. We could return the province back to Kedah or merge it with Perlis. All three modern provinces were part of the Malay Sultanate of Pattani, closely related to Malaysian states of Kedah and Kelantan. In short, this is a great way to undo the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909.

If the Malay Thai states ever decide for self-rule, years later after things have quieted down, Malaysia could offer these states places in the Federation. So, before; given Brunei’s ascension into Malaysia along with a successful annexation of Sumatra:

After the inclusion of southern Malay Thai states:

Heh, imagine what kind of new national flag we would have. Messy.

Oh boy, I’d imagine PAS would rule supreme in northern Malaysia. On second thought, we should first get all PAS members into ISA and then get to work with Malaysia imperialism. Did I say imperialism? I meant federalism.

This way, we don’t have to worry too much about those Islamists.

Maybe, just maybe, for the sake of screwing up Singapore with a new Kra Canal:

Next: Natuna islands are ours! Huzzah! (maybe Singapore too)

erratum – Natuna is part of Riau. At least, politically. So, I’d assume annexation of Sumatra would include Natuna. w00t! More black gold to be misused!