WE have lost Pedra Branca to Singapore. Despite our foreign minister’s assertions that it is a win-win situation, most Malaysians beg to differ. The rock was the prize to win, being the largest of the three disputed outcrops off Johor.

The matter was aggravated by the recent revelation that certain documents that some think could have influenced the decision of the International Court of Justice in our favour were missing.

Knowing that the documents were vital and also of Singapore’s brinksmanship in matters pertaining to bilateral issues, Malaysia had inadvertently made the wrong move in referring the matter to the ICJ.

An investigation should be launched to ascertain the whereabouts of the documents.

As for Pulau Pisang, an island off Pontian, Singapore also operates a lighthouse,

Malaysia is going about it the wrong way. If the island belongs to us, occupy it at the earliest opportunity. We do not want a situation where overlapping claims surface and our claim is repudiated just because documents are missing again.

The Johor menteri besar should also enlighten us about the 82 villagers from Pontian who own orchards on Pulau Pisang.

Source: NST – May 30, 2008