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.
