Was 1991 the first time this happened? Maybe not.
My memory getting fuzzy in my old age but I seem to remember
there was at least one other earlier SG National Day in mid 1980s
where the bastards pulled a similar stunt in Johore. This was never
publicised ever, and I only knew about it cos I was serving in S2
Branch of a certain Brigade HQ. There was silent mob for some units
and a one (or two) SIRs under our brigade were put on alert with
arms (and perhaps ammo) issued
All very wayang one.
Anyway, doing the paradrop right at our backdoor can be read
several ways. Apart from the obvious display of aggression and
Malay unity, Malindo can be interpreted as an exercise that is
actually DEFENSIVE in nature.
Why?
Because all it truly demonstrated is that MAF and TNI can send
airborne rapid reaction forces to.... drum roll.... Johore....
... but NOT to Singapore, as any such attempt would result in
very heavy losses ... Wipeout :) ... courtesy of RSAF and ground
air defence.
This Malindo Ex can be interpreted that in the event of SAF
trying out "Forward Defence", MAF & TNI can immediately regain
initiative by putting (or reinforcing) a rapid reaction block force
into Johore that can dash, disrupt or at least delay any hopes of a
rapid SAF deployment into Johore to create a protective buffer for
SG island.
Or it can also show that after we've moved troops into Johore,
they can still insert troops and cut us off at the rear, trapping
SAF forces already on MY soil
...
In an invasive scenario it would be very silly to drop
paratroops into Johore - with all the associated difficulties,
danger and limitations - and then move them like ground troops
towards SG.
Therefore, though it is right for SAF to adopt an aggressive
stance towards such weak displays, I really didn't see it as a
direct threat. To me it was a naked display of their insecurity. :
)
