Mahathir Refutes Calls to Reclaim Singapore and the Riau Islands
Yesterday, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad set the record straight about his recent comments that many had misread. The veteran statesman clarified that he isn’t pushing for Malaysia to recapture Singapore or the Riau Islands—just the little rock at the edge of the Arabian Sea.
What He Really Said
Mahathir’s speech on Sunday was all about Pedra Branca (also known locally as Pulau Batu Puteh). He said the international court’s ruling on the tiny island was minor compared to the larger territorial squabbles that could “really trouble the country.” In his own words:
“We’re concerned about losing a table‑sized rock, not about losing bigger slices of Malaysia that were taken from us.”
Points He Emphasised
- He labeled the denial over Pedra Branca a mistake by the Johor administration.
- Mahathir noted that if that denial never happened, the dispute would never exist today.
- He praised the 2002 ICJ ruling that awarded Sipadan and Ligitan to Malaysia, calling them “much more valuable than the rock.”
- Mahathir added a touch of sarcasm, saying: “We’re actually grateful that Indonesia didn’t dispute our win.”
A Touch of Humor
When asked whether he was pushing for the reclamation of Singapore, he replied:
“Sure, if you’re looking for just a rock or even an entire island, why not? But keep in mind, we’re not asking for anything bigger than what’s already ours.”
The Context Behind the Statements
Mahathir’s remarks came during a Selangor congress organized by several NGOs under the banner of the Kongres Survival Melayu (Congress for Malay Survival). The event, titled Aku Melayu: Survival Bermula, saw him remind listeners that the historical “Tanah Melayu” used to stretch from Thailand’s Kra Isthmus all the way to the Riau Islands and Singapore, but now sits only on the Malay Peninsula.
What the Past Rules Say
Quick recap of the court’s history:
- 2002 – Sipadan and Ligitan ruled Malaysian.
- 2008 – ICJ ruled Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore (Middle Rocks to Malaysia).
- 2017 – Malaysia sought review of the 2008 ruling.
- 2018 – After Mahathir became PM again, Malaysia stopped the proceedings.
So, in short: no forces to reclaim Singapore or the Riau Islands, only a playful reminder that a tiny rock is hardly worth waging a war over. The former prime minister maintained that Malaysia should remain content with its real gains—no big deal, no big loss, just a rock any day of the week.