On the surface, the writer of Military expenditure is vital is very impressive with his or her knowledge of the weaponry stocks of both Malaysia and Singapore. However, the writers overstatement on the strength of the threat posed by Singapore to Malaysia is questionable.

By its very own geopolitical nature, the best Singapore could hope for is to conduct a successful war of defence. While its armed forces could protect its homeland by pre-emptive air strikes against Malaysia, it can never occupy Peninsular Malaysia for any reasonable duration, let alone Sabah and Sarawak. It has limited population, and its back also faces Indonesia. Thus, it actually faces the classic German problem of how to fight a war on two fronts.

On the contrary, by sheer number and size, Malaysia can actually subdue Singapore after a war of attrition, and occupy the island for a long period of time. After the commencement of war, Malaysia will be justified in cutting off all water and food supply to Singapore. In this sense, Malaysia is a greater threat to Singapore, not vice versa.