West Malaysia
North-South divide
It’s effectively split into two - an Opposition-North and a government-South - competing through reforms to see who is better. What’s impact for Singapore? By Seah Chiang Nee
Apr 25, 2008

A Malaysian friend from the state of Selangor just told me that he had been pleasantly surprised at the way that the general elections had turned out.

”For years we were told that if the opposition came into power, there would be chaos and bloodshed, that they’re troublemakers,” he said.

For fear of instability, he – and his family – had always voted for the governing alliance – Barisan Nasional (BN) – including in the most recent election.

He had done so despite realising that BN was doing a lousy job, he added. “Fear of trouble made us shun the opposition. Now we know better.”

The picture in the immediate aftermath has turned out surprisingly well.

No one, of course, can predict the future, but the political cynics have observed the following about West Malaysia: -

-- It is split into two: (a) the North (except Perlis and Trengganu), which comprises Penang, Kelantan, Selangor, Perak and Kedah controlled by opposition, Pakatan Rakyat (PR), and (b) the South, made up a bigger bloc of the remaining states under the BN.

-- Each half has more or less its own set of objectives, not all of them necessarily well defined yet, which aims at reforming society – or at least eliminating past ills.

- The North wants (at varying degrees) to see open contract tenders, meritocracy and proper auditing to prevent corruption and multi-racial policies.

-- The South has started to reform the judiciary, granted independence status to its Anti-Corruption Agency and is talking about reforming the controlled press. Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has started to compete for voters' hearts, based on what the people want.

-- Race and religious extremism still remain Malaysia’s bugbears. But far from intensifying friction, the election seems to have brought the races closer. Extremism in UMNO and PAS is taking a backseat – at least for now.

-- Both North and South appear to have settled into the new political realities and are indulging in a contest to see who is better at reforms and giving people a better life.

No one can be sure if this positive competition can last, and if not, how it will end? De facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is trying to oust the government through defections.

This is for the future to decide. For the moment, Malaysians are basking in their newfound purpose in nation building.

Impact for Singapore

The more sanguine political mood, particularly the decline in racial politics and religious extremism, has been well received by Singaporeans, tourists and businessmen alike.

These developments may have even rekindled hope among a few Singaporeans who believe in the eventual re-merger of the two countries.

“Another generation should do it,” said an old timer’ If the new generation of Malaysians can eradicate racial and religious animosities, it may even be sooner, he added.

Not many people share this view.

The broad feeling here is that if Malaysia can retain a pragmatic, moderate approach and keep politics separate from the economy, the country will have a better future.

That will help to eradicate the historical suspicions that still mar bilateral relations.

This North-South rivalry is likely to be greatest in efforts to attract tourists and investors from Singapore (in line with the world) to their respective states.

In the North, states like Penang, Perak and Selangor are already geared to looking up to better ties with this island state. Even Kelantan is keen to attract tourists.

And in the South, states like Johor, with its proposed multi-billion Iskandar Development Region (IDR), which is three times Singapore’s size, and Malacca, will also figure highly in Singapore’s Malaysia-Singapore future relations.

“Foreign talent”

A more successful Malaysian economy (with more jobs and businesses created) will spell stronger competition for Singapore – especially its ports, airport and various hub activities – as well as investment and the city’s service trade.

Fewer talented Malaysian Chinese may be making their way to work or study in Singapore, and some of the estimated million who have arrived, may return home to take advantage of the new opportunities.

Singaporeans will do well to prepare for these pros and cons in future as a result of this wind of change blowing over Malaysia.
By Seah Chiang Nee