Quora Answer: Why Do Discussions about Singapore's Defense Focus So Much on Malaysia?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Why do discussions of Singapore’s defense focus so much on Malaysia?” 

When we consider the geopolitical situation in Singapore, the nearest, most likely belligerent, is Malaysia.  Singapore separated from Malaysia, in 1965, and even then, we had people like Syed Jaafar bin Syed Hassan Albar, the so-called “Lion of UMNO”, calling for Malaysian troops to take back Singapore and instigating a racial riot.  Since that time, Malaysian political leaders have not been shy in threatening violence, in threatening our sovereignty, and in pushing the boundaries of the relationship whenever possible.  As recent as December 2018, Hishammuddin bin Hussein, the former Defence Minister, wrote on Facebook, that Malaysia should move beyond a verbal spat into actual military action.  Would any Singapore politician be so careless with escalating a territorial dispute? 

Malaysia is not our ally.  Malaysia is an uneasy neighbour.  Despite our investment in Malaysia, we would be foolish to think that Malaysia’s political elite are grateful.  They have this entitled mindset.  Mahathir bin Mohamad himself has likened our relationship to that of an elder brother - Malaysia, and a rebellious younger brother - Singapore.  He supposes that Singapore has to follow Malaysia’s lead in policy.  That is an unacceptable besmirchment of our sovereignty.  In light of all this, should we trust Malaysia?  They cannot even adhere to contracts, and have to be arm twisted to sticking to the terms of treaties.  They are just across the Causeway, and sit on the north of the Malacca Strait.  Malaysia is the only Southeast Asian nation that could conceivably threaten us. 

Indonesia, for all its size, does not have the means to invade Singapore.  They can barely secure their own territorial waters from illegal fishing, let alone threaten Singapore with invasion.  They do not have the lift capability.  There is no other nation in the region close enough or sophisticated enough to threaten any form of military action, whether an artillery strike, or an air raid. 

It is no coincidence that Singapore has built up a military that dwarfs Malaysia’s in all metrics, and does not rule out preemptive action.  We not only maintain a stronger military on near war footing, but we are ready to invade them to create strategic depth.  That is our insurance policy.