Defense Cooperations of Malaysia-Singapore in the 1990's

摘要

Malaysia and Singapore have complex ethnic, economic, social and political make-ups which influenced their political-military cooperations. Ethnic animosity and economic disparity brought mutual anxieties and apprehensions to socio-political sectors through rational and irrational perceptions of respective defence strategy and capability. Singapore's defacto strategy of forward defence and some provisos under the Five Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA) require Malaysia to compromise its territorial integrity. There is a need to allay these perceptions and improve understanding through close military cooperations. Tangible benefits in related economic-military interface could convince the socio-political sectors on the interdependent status of both countries, especially on the concept of defence indivisibility in a geographical entity. This study analyses the viability of FPDA, the potential for a bilateral agreement and their benefits to Malaysia-Singapore security interests. In conclusion, this study supports the viability of FPDA. The permissive atmosphere offers strong potential to conclude the need for bilateral agreement and the economic-military interfaces in defence industries is required to benefit Malaysian national security interest.