THE speaker of Singapore’s Parliament, Tan Chuan-Jin, has called on his countrymen to unite against the Malaysian government, who he said is creating cross-boundary discord to distract Malaysians from domestic issues.

“To those who insist that it is unclear. Let me say this. 1) If you cross your own previously self-declared borders, it is a clear violation. 2) There is also zero change to airspace management arrangements that have been in place for years. No one is challenging anyone’s manhood or sovereignty,” Tan said in a post attached to a three-minute video on his Facebook page.

“We are putting these out because it needs to be done given the developments and the stakes. If you prefer to believe the rhetoric from the other side, go ahead. But don’t mask it in the name of being circumspect and being balanced,” he added.

The video urged Singaporeans to pray for its air force and its Home Team Departments, which comprise half-a-dozen domestic security agencies, and to stay resolute.

The video touched on the current maritime dispute, saying that Malaysia has moved boundaries beyond what they claimed “arbitrarily in 1979”, and on the recent alleged intrusion of Malaysian boats in Singaporean waters.

The video said reclamation work off Tuas does not impact boundaries as claimed by Malaysia, and that Singapore “has been restraining herself” on the issue.

On the row over the airspace in southern Johor, the video said Singapore’s concern “was never about sovereignty but air safety.”

It said Selatar Airport’s adoption of an Instrument Landing System would have no impact on Johor or Pasir Gudang’s development and that Malaysia was notified in December, 2017, but did not officially respond.

The video also criticised Malaysia for the water agreement dispute, which the video said was decided in 1987.

The video said Singapore had constructed the Lungu damn and continues to sell treated water to Johor at a low price and higher volumes.

On why Malaysia was allegedly pressuring Singapore on these issues, the video suggested: “Pressure tactics? To distract attention from domestic issues? To test the mettle of our leadership? To destabilise Singapore? To create racial divide? To test our racial harmony and unity?”

The video was viewed 496,000 times and received 677 comments, with most offering their support for any military action.

“I am 40+ and no more NS liability. If Singapore need my service, please activate me,” said Ernest Kek, a Facebook user who received 683 likes for his comment.  – December 10, 2018.