Should Singapore and Malaysia be one country?

Newbienewbie SG

I thought this was a dead issue but there was a blog post that argued that Malaysia and Singapore should be united as one country. The argument, I think (it's not a very short post) was that the two countries strengths were complimentary and that both were "evolving" in ways that made it a good time now (yeah, despite all the bad blood and issues unresolved) for the two countries to re-merge.

Anyway pullout-ing from the post (whoever interested can go to http://mumsthewordorpa.blogspot.com/2008/07/malaysia-and-singapore-should-be-one.html):

"...the respective visions illuminating their paths to progress are wildly at odds: One celebrates the importance of merit and ability, the other harks back to historical injustices in enshrining the rights and privileges of one community.

However, there is a remarkable confluence of broad trends evident at the moment, that the more far-seeing leaders from both sides might seize upon as a spur to act. In Malaysia, there is a growing willingness to revise the racial-based architecture that has defined the political discourse for decades, in favour of race-blind meritocracy and needs-based assistance. Singapore is reaching the limits of what it can achieve as a tiny spit of land, however competent its leadership and even though incremental improvements may still be possible. There is also a greater desire among its people for a less claustrophobic civic environment. In each case, the arrows are pointing to the neighbour as a source of inspiration, example and simple living space.

Yin and yang, then. If the strengths of the two nations could be fused, the resultant entity would be a far more formidable competitor in the global arena, and - perhaps more importantly - a richer social tapestry for each citizen to weave in his individual contribution. The excessive tendencies of each would be restrained by the other, whether this be a certain coldness masquerading as efficiency or a chaotic joyousness without sufficient direction."

My own thought is that it would be very difficult and will take a long time, but also that it may be worth a try to enlarge Singapore's defensible space.

BadzMaro SG

Combined geography and resources + population is always good .

Meat Pao SG

I think this is very unlikely.

Maybe regionalism in a form of free-trade agreements, closer ASEAN integration, etc, that is still possible, and I believe this is the trend that is going to take place in the future, not just among Singapore-Malaysia but more.

But to be one country, I dont think so.

The reason is the population.

If we look at history, only countries which share similar demographics will willingly merge, for instance West Germany-East Germany, or even Bellarusia-Russia which form a kind of Union, because they share a common affinity or common identity towards each other.

If we look at Singapore and Malaysia, it cannot be argued that the demographic is similar.

For this reason alone, no merging will ever be possible.

Meat Pao

ChiBet SG

if this happens, badawi will accuse LKY of gay molest and LYK will sue badawi

Stevenson101 SG

Extremely unlikely, because Singapore wants equal opportunities for all races and Malaysia wants privileges for Malay.

Both sides would not give way on this issue alone.

elindra SG

Good idea if we can tap their natural resources and not their Government

They also need to scrap the Bumiputra policy

And also their 9 (?) Sultans

Most countries only have 1 royal family to feed

Malaysia have 9

eagle SG

if this happens, badawi will accuse LKY of gay molest and LYK will sue badawi

I was about to say that

maurizio13 SG

hehehe....

i wonder which politician going to be charge with sodomy if we merge.

redDUST SG

brunei should be usurp as well...

mistyblue SG

You want to be Anwared?

insignificant_being SG

History might repeat itself?

redDUST SG

You want to be Anwared?

you all think too small.

who eat who? think about it.

BadzMaro SG

History might repeat itself?

Nah.. trust me. History aint gonna repeat itself again. lol

Pintoneo SG

you all think too small.

who eat who? think about it.

I'm more inclined to this view too.

Gutentaginator SG

No CHANCE !

1. Singaporeans have no experience having a strong Opposition like in Malaysia.

They may not accept it as for the last 50 years (almost), they chose not to have too much Opposition. They prefer little Opposition.

2. Who shall lead? This is a political issue. Who would want competition between singapore and malaysia politicians?

3. Salary and currency difference. erm....cannot say too much up to this point...

Pintoneo SG

No CHANCE !

1. Singaporeans have no experience having a strong Opposition like in Malaysia.

They may not accept it as for the last 50 years (almost), they chose not to have too much Opposition. They prefer little Opposition.

2. Who shall lead? This is a political issue. Who would want competition between singapore and malaysia politicians?

3. Salary and currency difference. erm....cannot say too much up to this point...

When I read your post, I had this crazy idea. lets unite for awhile, i.e. until the PAP and UMNO have sued each other bankrupt, sodomised each other, thrown each other in jail, etc, etc. then we can split again and wipe the slate clean. Nah, it won't happen. Just like we won't be one country again.

caleb_chiang SG

Over Lee's dead body...

Display Name SG

I don't know why people have the idea of merging singapore and malaysia.
When that happen, singapore's foreign reserves will be gone.
BN can make a lot of nice promise to singapore and the world, or even put it to constitution.
But when the leader or a new leader one day decide to change, all will change.

I think what Meat Pao said is more likely to happen than a reunification.

Pintoneo SG

I don't know why people have the idea of merging singapore and malaysia.

Wasn't it reported in Channel News Asia or somewhere that it was LKY himself who floated this idea. and his good ole nemesis Mahathir said the timing was not right. This was sometime in 1995/96.

BadzMaro SG

Let the new generation of leaders decide shall we?

Damn its gonna be awesome to be pioneers. To be one of the people that politicaly shape a better future for all. Leaders.

We are all destined for greatness. Its whether you got what it takes or not.