As it is said, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And it is even worse for those who do not know history. To understand Singapore you must know the motives behind Singapore's stand and the background of the current issues.

When Singapore was separated from Malaysia in 1965, Lee Kuan Yew gave a speech in which he envisaged a federation of Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah and possibly Johor. To do that, he fostered close relationships with Brunei (parity of the dollar, agreements with Brunei airlines, universities, armed forces, etc.). To drive a wedge between East and West Malaysia, special conditions for workers from Sarawak and Sabah.

Then the railway issue. Where does the railway line cut into half at Tanjong Pagar? Who is its MP? Lee Kuan Yew. And most important of all, the Causeway. Why does Singapore wants to retain the causeway?

Because it would be easier for Singapore armed forces to enter Malaysia. Further, a new bridge would enable the development of Johor's port which has already attracted world shipping lines like Merck, Evergreen, etc..

Singapore keeps changing its position to keep Malaysia off-balance. In diplomatic parlance, nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. There are no half agreements. Singapore recruits the best brains in the world. We cannot even give scholarships to our best students.

Psychologically Singapore feels under siege even suffering from an inferiority complex. So like a spoilt child, it constantly demands and surprisingly, Malaysia concedes because our negotiators do not know the background of the problems. Perhaps they do no read.

The only solution is the cutting of the Isthmus Canal which will lead to the development of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu and even Pahang. And why not appoint Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to oversee its development?

And why not appoint Mahathir as the chief negotiator with Singapore as he knows the history of the current problems? Time is on Singapore's side. The more there are delays, the more they benefit in terms of interest and getting the benefit of the water at the old price.