When Malaysia in 2003, made noise over the effects of land reclamation off Pulau Tekong on their fishing grounds and shipping lanes, I must say I was all for Singapore

I mean, I settle my side you settle yours lor… why come and disturb me when I sprucing up my land right?

I mean, we need more space what… Malaysia got so much land, won’t understand one. I guess I was wrong and I am beginning to see the folly of my rationalization at that time.

Malaysia has every right to complain. Especially so since it affects the livelihood of her people.

Singapore was being an inconsiderate neighbour. The courteous thing would have been to inform our neighbours and work together right from the start to minimise any possible impact. Perhaps even to cancel the whole plan if studies show that there negative effects that affect the livelihood of thousands.

Without the slightest courtesy, they went ahead on land reclamation works. Malaysia had to go to ITLOS to get an interim stop work order before Singapore halted the works.

With regards to this, I sincerely apologise to our neighbours. Perhaps, to make the South Johoreans feel better, they might want to know that Singaporeans are not spared such inconsideration too.

I live in Serangoon Gardens. There is an unused school building 500 meters from where I live. It belongs to the Government. So my Government is also my neighbour. They have chose to employ the same approach on us as they did in the Pulau Tekong case.

They secretly study the feasibility of converting this school building into a foreign workers dormitory without seeking inputs from residents living in the vicinity, their neighbours. As I type this, plans are probably being made to proceed with the conversion. They say it is still in the feasibility studies stage, but I have my doubts.

I guess it is always when it starts happening to you that you see things from the other side.

Our neighbours in South Johor have it better. They can still go to ICJ and ITLOS to get stop work order and make some noise. At least they all managed to force Singapore to work with them for a resolution. I think we all in Serangoon Gardens lan lan. No where to go. Even our members of parliament say can help submit our pettition but this one not their department to decide.