2 days ago
Two-way Causeway
TODAY is Singapore's 60th year of independence. However, it also marks six decades since Singapore and Malaysia parted ways on Aug 9, 1965.
It is a moment in history often described as a political rupture, but one that has left behind enduring social, cultural and familial ties.
While the relationship between the two neighbours has seen its fair share of ups and downs, the cooperation and bonds between us remain strong.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the separation, we spoke to everyday Malaysians and Singaporeans to hear how they view the relationship today – what's changed, what's stayed the same and what they hope the future holds for both countries.
> Thomas Daniel, 40, Director of Foreign Policy & Security Studies at Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysian
When I think of separation, I think it's a reflection of our sort of very complex history and the complex processes of nation-building both in Singapore and Malaysia.
In the case of Malaysia, I think nation-building is still very much a work in progress.
It reflects on the journeys that we've been on, so although we separated, in many ways we're still intertwined by facts and geography. We are intertwined by links of people, we are intertwined, both by shared interests and also, in the disagreements that we have as neighbours.
I think our relationships are often held hostage by issues of the past, and Malaysia and Singapore is no different.
There will always be nagging issues from our past that will affect bilateral relationships but the important thing is how both countries are determined to move forward.
I think what we've seen over the last few years, especially among a newer generation of leaders and officials and maybe a newer generation of Singaporeans and Malaysians is that there seems to be a lot more determination from both sides to move ahead, to sort out long-standing issues or at least mitigate them and try to find ways to do things together rather than separately.
The bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Singapore is extremely complex and extremely multifaceted. There are plenty of issues that will bring up emotions and disagreements, but yet again we are so tied to the hip that there are many issues where both sides understand that we are better off working together.
The fact that Singapore separated (from Malaysia) and then almost immediately bilateral relations resumed (between the two countries) and Singapore was one of the founding members of Asean with Malaysia, it shows that there is determination to make things work and that things can work.
> Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, 52, Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst, Malaysian
The word that comes to mind when I think about Singapore's 1965 separation from Malaysia is 'destiny reshaped'.
The separation was a turning point marked by uncertainty, emotion and geopolitical recalibration. It was a painful and unexpected event, but in hindsight, it catalysed two different national trajectories, each forging its own path to statehood and modernity.
While it symbolised the end of a political union, it also marked the beginning of a complex but enduring relationship between two close neighbours with shared histories, cultures and familial ties.
Sometimes, in separation, both sides find the clarity to grow.
Malaysia and Singapore's current relationship is perhaps best described as a mixture of friendly neighbours and slightly awkward relatives. Like close cousins with a shared past, competitive streaks but deep unspoken respect.
The relationship has evolved into one of strategic pragmatism: cooperation in trade, security and regional affairs often coexists with occasional diplomatic irritations.
The historical baggage lingers, but maturity and shared interests have fostered resilience.
The separation also instilled a realism in bilateral diplomacy. It made both countries acutely aware of their interdependence despite sovereignty.
From water agreements and airspace negotiations to cross-border investments and infrastructure links, diplomacy has matured from confrontation to institutionalised dialogue and legal arbitration.
At the regional level, this evolution has made both nations pillars of Asean, often taking complementary roles; i.e. Malaysia as a voice for broader Muslim and South-East Asian solidarity and Singapore as a key financial and logistical hub.
Together, they help stabilise regional trade, maritime security and climate diplomacy.
The lessons of separation have been channelled into building structures that prevent rupture and encourage multilateralism.
In essence, Singapore and Malaysia's journey since 1965 has shown that from separation can emerge not hostility, but healthy competition, mutual respect and evolving cooperation.
> Nadia Hong, 32, consultant, Malaysian
I think we have a unique relationship now whereby Malaysians and Singaporeans are same-same but different.
There's a rivalry between us and Malaysians are at our most patriotic when it comes to defending our food, but even more so when defending our food against comparison to Singapore.
Despite the rivalries and comparisons, I feel like both countries have such a deep understanding of each other's unique culture, diversity and backgrounds – one that exists because we've shared so much of our history and our growth – and that is so rare to find even among our Asean neighbours.
I do hope that Malaysia and Singapore continue to drive each other. Not just through economic or political means but also at ground level where Malaysians and Singaporeans continue to learn and take inspiration from each other.
I believe there's a lot to learn from either side on how we can progress as a society with values.
And we are lucky to have a family next door on a little red dot for generations to come!
> Muhammad Amar Shah Mohsen Maninder, 36, writer, raised in Singapore, now Malaysian
From what I recall in Singapore, we were taught that the separation was due to economic and political differences, and that Singapore wanted to pursue its own development path.
It's also worth noting that I did my secondary schooling in Malaysia, so I was also exposed to Malaysia's perspective in history lessons – I only became a Malaysian citizen after completing my degree. Having had the opportunity to learn from both sides, I wouldn't say my views have changed entirely, but it has given me a more balanced understanding of the separation.
I've always viewed Malaysia and Singapore as estranged twins, similar in some ways, different in others. Their relationship can sometimes be viewed as being best friends, sometimes friendly rivals. This plays out not just at the government level, but also among ordinary citizens.
At the government level, we still see cooperation across various fronts and a focus on mutual benefits. Yet, cautious diplomacy remains, understandably so, given their history and differences, including on matters like water agreement and cross-border policies.
At the citizen level, we still see friendly banter over things like food – think nasi lemak – and football. But no matter what happens, we ultimately see ourselves as siblings. Malaysia, the responsible older sibling, and Singapore, the overachieving younger one.
Obviously, I hope to see more banter between Malaysia and Singapore, like true siblings! But beyond that, I genuinely hope to see a stronger relationship between the two.
As I mentioned earlier, I see Malaysia and Singapore as estranged twins. We're not as close as we once were before the separation, especially when it comes to our cultural and historical bonds. While there's been encouraging progress in areas like economic cooperation and border management, I hope our ties continue to deepen across all fronts. After all, we did once live under the same roof!
> Qistina Zulkarnain, 28, communications executive, Singaporean
The separation between Singapore and Malaysia has always been associated with our independence and how, as a small nation, we had no other choice but to step up in order to thrive. We didn't have natural resources, so it's been a national belief, ingrained from young, that Singapore's only real resource is its people. That belief, I'd say, is what pushed Singaporeans to become who we are today – driven and determined. So, in hindsight, I'd say the separation was probably the right push at the right time.
And ever since, because of our shared history and because we're so close, like literally next to each other close, Singapore and Malaysia have always had strong ties. I've always seen us as siblings – similar in some ways, different in others, and like with siblings, not every day is great, but for the most part, we're just glad the other is around.
Every now and then there are little disputes about which country has the better something – like food or holiday spots. Honestly, I'd just love to see people get a lot less worked up over it. Instead, we should see it as double the good stuff to enjoy!
> Janice Ho, accountant, 46, Singaporean
Sixty years on, I think we are doing well and neighbours and siblings. Sure, it was a heartbreaking moment for some or many during the separation, but I think both countries forged ahead remain close despite the political differences that led to the split.
I am a mother of three now. My children were taught the same at school, about how the separation came to be. But that is all history now. It is something important for us to understand, but also something important for us to be inspired we move forward.
Singapore and Malaysia share so much culture as seen through our food and language among others. I can still tell my Malaysian friends that they are home, whenever they come visit me. And they tell me the same, whenever I visited them in Kuala Lumpur.
Looking forward, Singapore worked hard to be what it is today. An economic powerhouse and politically stable. I am glad to be a Singaporean which has been blessed by opportunities and good neighbours.
