LETTERS: THE call to set up an agency for the border areas, as mentioned by Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin a few day ago, should be given serious attention.
We have many border entry points with our neighbouring countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore and the Philippines.
Thus far, we have been able to manage our borders amicably, largely within the spirit of Asean.
Why the government is considering this idea at a time when we are supposed to control public expenditure — and creating a new agency is a big commitment to expenditure — can be easily fathomed.
We have lots of issues and stakes along our borders which demand viable long-term solutions.
Three main concerns which can be cited now are Singapore-Johor economic relations, our border with Thailand (where security is always an issue) and the eastern part of Sabah (where incursion into our territory is relatively easy).
While relations with our neighbours have been healthy, there have also been instances when they were strained. These have been resolved in a positive manner in many ways.
The setting up of the Malaysia- Thailand Joint Authority four decades ago to exploit gas resources in overlapping areas has benefited both countries. It is a good example to be emulated by other countries.
Border areas can be sources of tension but they can also be windows of opportunity. Interestingly, people who live on either side of the border will adjust to the costs and gains from the differing policies to ensure maximum advantage.
Many Thai goods are sold in Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar to cater to the many Malaysians shopping for tax-free goods there.
Similarly, many Singaporeans do their grocery shopping in Johor Baru during weekends because of their strong dollar.
Citizens of Brunei too visit places such as Labuan for their weekend leisure, thus assisting the local economy.
These healthy economic and social engagements at border areas must be encouraged and even promoted.
Issues arise when there is a stark economic disparity between two neighbouring regions. The Mexicans at the border of the United States are attracted to the better standard of living and, therefore, will try to enter the US illegally. This brings with it security issues.
In the case of Singapore and Johor Baru, the congestion of passengers and goods moving along the Causeway has been a cause of irritation for the authorities in both countries.
Our easternmost border point, namely East Sabah (around Semporna, Tawau and Lahad Datu) has been a pressure point for security for a long time.
If a border agency is to be created, then eastern Sabah would likely be the main rationale for its existence.
Eastern Sabah has a strong historical connection with neighbouring countries. Besides the marine life, forest resources and beautiful islands, the security of the sea routes needs special attention by the federal government.
The loss of Pulau Batu Putih, the fishing ground of Johor fishermen for centuries, is an example of what happens when we lose sight of long-term strategic interests.
Additionally, the agency should take a comprehensive view of border relations and not only on issues related to security.
The establishment of a border agency for the country deserves serious consideration.
Certainly, recent developments such as Iskandar in Johor and the aerospace industries development in Bukit Kayu Hitam can be drawn upon in designing the terms of reference of this proposed border agency.
TAN SRI DR SULAIMAN MAHBOB
Adjunct Professor,
International Institute of Public Policy and Management, University of Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times