Singapore and Malaysia: Neighbors in a Changing Equation
International Herald Tribune
April 2, 1997
Philip Bowring 

The recent souring of relations between Malaysia and Singapore after remarks by Lee Kuan Yew about the neighboring Malaysian state of Johor is a storm in a teacup that will have few practical consequences. However, the rumpus highlights underlying changes in the relationship.

The spat has been surprising. Neither side is unaware of the other's sensitivities.

Malaysia has had serious diplomatic rows with Britain and Australia over unguarded remarks by press and politicians. Singapore has a record of libel suits by its leaders against political opponents and bristles at any perceived foreign interference in its domestic affairs. But hitherto the two have gone out of their way to avoid open disputes.

Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad recently remarked: "There are many problems. Only the government knows ... But we don't tell it to the people because we want to maintain good ties with Singapore."

The current dispute cannotbe attributed to domestic politics in either country. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's position was strengthened by the recent Singapore elections. Mr. Mahathir's dominance of his party was reaffirmed last year.

So one must look for deeper trends that turned a few unwise words into a significant issue.

Malaysia, with its 19 million people, has come out from under the shadow of the 3-million-strong city-state. It has made particularly dramatic progress in the past decade. Its economic growth now exceeds Singapore's and with its faster growing work force is likely to continue to do so. It is even now bidding to compete with Singapore as an information techno-logy center.

Mr. Mahathir has placed it on the world map through a combination of globe-trotting, controversial speeches and spectacular projects such as the world's tallest building.

Increased self-confidence has made Malaysians less willing to turn the other cheek to perceived Singaporean arrogance and condescension seen not merely in Mr. Lee's remarks, for which he apologized, but also in subsequent ones of other Singaporeans.

Primarily as a result of privatization, a new Malay commercial class has emerged in Malaysia, supplanting ethnic Chinese groups as the leading players in the private sector. This government-backed process has undoubtedly contributed to ethnic harmony within Malaysia. But it has heightened differences with Singapore, which regards itself as more meritocratic, multiethnic and uncorrupt.

However, from the Malaysian side of the causeway which joins them, predominantly Chinese Singapore is viewed as being less open about issues of ethnicity and less tolerant of social pluralism. The hand of the state is also viewed as making it less friendly to the local private sector than is Malaysia.

It is not a coincidence that the current spat began with the flight of a Singaporean opposition politician, Tang Liang Hong, to Johor. Malaysian liberalism and democracy may not conform to all Western ideas of fair play, but Malaysians of all ethnic backgrounds take pride in the fact that this is an open society with lively politics.

Malays in particular are also proud that the nation is probably the most successful predominantly Muslim state in the world. Proponents of modernist, tolerant Islam in Malaysia (as in Indonesia) can be critical of Western values, but that does not mean that they identify with the neo-Confucian ideas propagated by Singapore. Some, too, are disturbed by the allegedly "triumphalist" attitudes of Chinese business groups whose international ethnic links have been lauded in the West.

There are a few parallels between this episode and one two years ago between Singapore and another Malay neighbor, the Philippines. Singapore'sexecution of a Filipina maid brought all kinds of attitudinal as well as ethnic differences to the surface, pitting reason against emotion.

Singapore's younger generation, headed by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, may well be more sensitive to Malaysia than the older one. There are plenty of opportunities for contact with their Malaysian counterparts, and more interests to unite than divide. However, when measured against the likes of Mr. Mahathir and President Suharto, Mr. Goh lacks regional and international stature, and could have a problem acquiring it so long as Lee Kuan Yew remains the nation's dominant figure.

Mr. Goh's position is likely to be enhanced by this dispute, but for the future his "kinder, gentler" Singapore may have to deal with a Malay world that is becoming more assertive.

None of this should be taken to mean that the cooperative political relationships which have underpinned ASEAN's economic success are under threat. However, the spat has come at a time when the region's key country, Indonesia, is showing internal tensions reflecting worries about succession.

The cross-causeway tiff is a timely reminder that constant, careful management of ethnic and other relationships is as important as ever in ensuring that national rivalries are creative and not destructive.

Copyright © 2006 The International Herald Tribune