An Open Letter to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim: A Call for Unity, Cooperation, and Regional Partnership

Dear Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim,

I write to you both with utmost humility and respect, as two of Malaysia’s most influential and impactful leaders. Your contributions to our nation’s development and standing in the global arena are unparalleled. However, the ongoing discourse surrounding the Pulau Batu Puteh Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) and the public exchanges between you have highlighted a concerning reality: Malaysia, at this critical juncture, needs unity and collaboration more than political divisions.

This moment also presents an opportunity to not only bridge gaps domestically but to foster greater regional cooperation with Singapore, turning a historic dispute into a cornerstone of shared prosperity.

𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐡: 𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The history of the Pulau Batu Puteh dispute teaches us that even sensitive territorial issues can be addressed through diplomacy, legal frameworks, and mutual respect. While the decision to withdraw from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) review remains contentious, the episode underscores the potential for bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

Rather than framing Pulau Batu Puteh as a source of division, it can be transformed into a bridge for deeper collaboration, benefiting not only both nations but also the broader Southeast Asian region.

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

As the two most prominent leaders in Malaysian history, you both bear a responsibility not only to unify the nation but also to strengthen Malaysia's relationship with its neighbors. The lessons from Pulau Batu Puteh point towards a path of reconciliation, collaboration, and collective accountability:

𝟏. 𝐒𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩:

The Pulau Batu Puteh case demonstrates that sovereignty can be upheld more effectively when paired with strategic alliances. Malaysia and Singapore must work together to safeguard regional stability and shared interests.

𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

The areas surrounding Pulau Batu Puteh, including Middle Rocks, present opportunities for cooperative development in marine research, tourism, and environmental conservation. Such joint projects can strengthen Malaysia’s territorial claims while positioning Singapore as a collaborative partner rather than an adversary.

𝟑. 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬:
As senior statesmen, both of you have the chance to demonstrate that leadership transcends political rivalries. A unified stance on Pulau Batu Puteh and regional cooperation can serve as a lasting testament to your shared commitment to Malaysia's future.

𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Rather than focusing on past disagreements, I humbly propose that you channel your energy into a future-oriented project that brings Malaysia and Singapore closer together. The development of Middle Rocks, under Malaysia’s sovereignty, can be a transformative initiative:

𝟏. 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐛:
Develop Middle Rocks into an ASEAN Marine Research Center, symbolizing Malaysia-Singapore partnership and fostering regional collaboration in oceanography, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Establish a joint monument on Middle Rocks to commemorate the spirit of cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

𝟐. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Malaysia and Singapore can jointly manage the waters surrounding Pulau Batu Puteh, promoting sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and maritime safety.

Create a maritime economic zone for mutual benefit, leveraging both nations' strengths in logistics, trade, and tourism.

𝟑. 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Co-develop Pulau Batu Puteh and Middle Rocks as eco-tourism and heritage sites, providing opportunities for cultural exchange and cross-border collaboration.

𝟒. 𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

Establish a Malaysia-Singapore joint committee to oversee the implementation of these projects, ensuring transparency, shared responsibility, and mutual benefits.

The Path Forward: Domestic Unity and Regional Leadership

Malaysia stands at a crossroads. With pressing economic challenges, global uncertainties, and social divides, the nation urgently needs strong, unified leadership. Domestically, collaboration between the two of you can inspire confidence and reconciliation. Regionally, a strengthened partnership with Singapore can enhance Malaysia's leadership role within ASEAN and beyond.

𝐓𝐮𝐧 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫:

Tun's experience as a seasoned statesman gives you the wisdom to guide Malaysia’s regional partnerships. Your vision for Malaysia's sovereignty can be realized not through isolation but through pragmatic cooperation with Singapore and ASEAN.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐨' 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫:

Dato Seri's reformist leadership offers a fresh approach to diplomacy and collaboration. By extending an olive branch to Singapore, you can reinforce Malaysia’s role as a cooperative and forward-looking regional player.

Together, Dato Seri's leadership can ensure that the Pulau Batu Puteh episode becomes a stepping stone for unity and progress.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Dear Tun Dr. Mahathir and YAB Dato' Seri Anwar, Malaysia’s future requires unity, collaboration, and shared vision. Domestic political rivalry must not overshadow the greater task of nation-building, nor hinder our ability to foster meaningful partnerships with neighbors like Singapore.

The Pulau Batu Puteh issue is history, but it can also guide the way forward. Let this be a moment where both of you rise above differences to leave a legacy of unity at home and partnership abroad—a legacy that future generations will honor and cherish.

Sincerely,

𝐓𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐘𝐞𝐰
An Advocate of National Unity and Regional Cooperation