Originally posted by sbst275:
Well... Even so, by 1969, we might still end up kicked out...
But think of it, w/o joining and seperated, would we have
today?
If Singapore had stayed out of Malaysia, perhaps we will not
have the "old political baggage" of the two years of friction as
part of a Malaysian State.
If LKY had not been so adamant about getting Singapore to join
Malaysia, and having done so, IF he had respected his tacit
agreement with Tunku Abdual Rahman in not participating in
Peninsular Politics, IF he had been less abrasive in his dealings
with the "Bumiputra" issue - perhaps the present relationship
between Malaysia-Singapore could have been more cordial, and
similar to the relationship between Malaysia-Brunei.
In his memoirs, LKY had written of his regret in not understanding
and fully appreciating the wisdom of the previous Sultan of Brunei,
in not wanting to have Brunei join Malaysia.
The previous Sultan of Brunei (who is the father of the present
one) had asked Tunku Abdul Rahman if the Sultan will be part of the
Council of Rulers - (formed by the Sultans from the various States
of Peninsular Malaya), and thus will be eligible to be voted in
turn to be the KING of Malaysia.
The same question could have been asked to the Tunku, if LKY will
ever have the opportunity to be the PM of Malaysia - and perhaps
there will be less suspicion about LKY's ambition from the
Political Elites of UMNO.
Unfortunately, opportunities were missed, and we are straddled with
the heavy baggage of past politics that will continue to weigh on
our relationship with Malaysia, even if both sides make the best
efforts to sweep history away.
