Royal Interventions & Maritime Moods: A Crown Prince’s Call for Calm
Think of It as a Family Dinner with a Political Twist
Tunku Ismail, the 34‑year‑old Crown Prince of Johor has put a friendly spin on a tense border spat. In a Facebook post on Thursday (Dec 13), he said:
“I hope the countries can find a solution that is a win‑win situation to prosper together and not get entangled in unnecessary issues.”
He shared a photo of himself amid two familiar faces: one from Singapore, one from Malaysia.
Meet the Dream Team
- Prem Singh – Singapore Special Branch. “He’s been looking after me for nine years.”
- Lieutenant Colonel Samsyawal Muhamad – Malaysian Special Forces (Gerak Khas). “We were sniper buddies back in 2002 during my Young Officer’s course at PULADA.”
“Here I am in the middle between Singapore and Malaysia. The three of us are good friends, working well in the same organisation,” the heir added, hinting that camaraderie could be the glue in a patchy political landscape.
Why the Water is Warming Up
Tensions over airspace and maritime boundaries have gotten steamy:
- Singapore protested K. L. M’s extension of the Johor Baru port limits into its territorial waters off Tuas.
- Singapore’s side countered by extending its own port limits, which Malaysia weren’t happy about.
- Both sides claimed the other had crossed into their waters between 24 Nov and 5 Dec – a classic “blue‑water blame game.”
- Malaysia objected to new Seletar Airport landing rules and wanted back control over the southern Johor airspace, a territory Singapore had managed since 1974.
Strategic Announcements
- Singapore filed a declaration under Article 298(1)(a) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to avoid third‑party arbitration.
- Both countries will meet next month to iron out the Tuas waters dispute.
It’s Not Just Politics – It’s Also a Chance for a Peaceful Heir!
While the Chiefs of the respective navies and military units play their hard‑boiled lines, the Crown Prince has invited the world to witness a different conversation – one of friendly strategy and mutual benefit.
As the new stories unfold, it’s a reminder to keep the dialogue open and remember every border is just a shared boundary, not a battlefield.
