It was not more than 50 years ago, Singapore left a team of former British colony that includes Malaya, Brunei, North Borneo and Sarawak that gained independence from the British Empire. Now, 50  odd years after our allied independence, Singapore rose dramatically. If we compare Singapore and Malaysia, without doubt, I feel we’re a bit slower. It’s partly due to politics but rather economically. Singapore has been a powerful economical force since the days of Sir Stamford Raffles and with a smaller number of mouth to feed, of course, they have brought up their standard of living.

From what I’ve learnt and realized, a political tension has grown between this 2 countries. It grows stronger as time goes by. A ‘Cold War’, quoted by RPK. I guess it’s one of the many cases when we speak about national rivalry. Like how in American shows, where they love to make fun of Canadians or even Australians making fun of New Zealander. “Why did we let you become a country?” I love finding sense in the senseless, now, why not Singapore?

Did you know Singapore literally means Lion City in Sanskrit? Apparetly, some dude name Sang Nila Utama, he thought he saw a Lion but it was just a Tiger. Funny how the country is named after something that doesn’t exist there at that time. Somehow Singaporeans take an extra step in making a statement. I mean, Malaysians stereotype them as Kia-su (not willing to lose). Our families end up having the most fun making fun of our Singaporean cousins. If you’re reading this, Shu Wrong, yeah, I’m talking about you. Once, a Singaporean movie sarcastically pointed out the water supply issue with Malaysia within the conversation. Boom, it was banned in Malaysia. Take nothing away, it was an awesome show. When it comes to cleaning the environment and sustainability, Singaporean took bold steps, firstly, by banning people from consume chewing gum. Then, after the much debatable water supply issue, Singaporeans start to use reclaim water. Ok, I understand. In Adelaide, they use reclaim water as well. Even I do use it, but for gardening, not drinking. People in Singapore drink reclaim water. Maybe it now make sense why the birth rate drop so much over the years. Maybe. Not only that, what really made me wonder, is how Mas Selamat, some terrorist in the Singapore high security federal prison can escape. Is he some ghost? At least, he is caught now, saving their blushes. It’s really extreme. What’s next? After seeing Malaysia send the first south east Asian to space, they might send the first south east homosexual Asian to space. I know Jeremy Clarkson might be interested.

Turns out Batman is Singaporean and his father is Superman.

No matter how much Malaysians love to make fun of Singaporeans but we must know we’re really small compared to them, in so many ways. Hey, but at least, we have the fame of Malaysian food, right? Have you ever heard of Singaporean food? No. Only Malaysian food, right? haha.

All in all, tension between this 2 countries won’t be better by what I’ve said here. Come on! Dr. M seemed to be very pissed at the Singaporean government and everyone that show some kind of support for them. With all due respect, I guess we need to give and take. Instead of arguing, we should take a step back and look at it. I doubt tolerating as a sign of giving in or ‘bow down’ to Singapore. Plus, no point dragging a poor relationship throughout generation. Jesus says, love your neighbour. Why hate?

Akil said this to me,

we have to change the world han jun.
its up to us because everyone thinks they cannot do anything about it.
we have to start small and then change and unite malaysians.
finally we unite the world!!

I think he is right. You’re a good person and so is your family.

post – script : Hate going to Singapore because its so expensive for us Malaysian.

Cheering on towards the final,

Hanjun