The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has awarded Pulau Batu Puteh (known as Pedra Branca in Singapore) to Singapore while Middle Rocks to Malaysia.
The UN court in The Hague ruled by 12 votes to four, that PBP sovereignty belonged to the Republic of Singapore, thus bringing an end to the 29-year dispute. [BBC] Both countries have expressed earlier that they would accept and respect the decision regardless of the outcome.
Frankly, I think our legal team should be blamed for the lost with the infamous fake photo incident still ringing in my mind. Although the picture might not be carrying much weight in the case, as there are lots of other facts to be considered for the verdict… but the quality of our legal team made me sweat.
I don’t think Malaysia has lost much from the verdict though, besides some pride perhaps. The judgement probably means that Singapore will have larger territorial sea and thus their navy could travel a bit further into our water; but economically wise, both nations shared the same rights over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) anyway.
Update - You can read the ICJ report here (pdf).
I have read the hearing (bbc text) for 3 times. There are 1 or 2 european lawyers representing Malaysia in this case. The argument from Singapore side are more on “grounds” up to abt 100 years ago, whereas Malaysia side are more based on 100 years ago to 150 years ago (if im not mistaken). The pics that been provided from both sides is just one of the many evidences claimed to justify it..if is not true than the court will cancel the evidence (just that one only), so i dont think that made much differences. The questions and answers from both sides are good (according to bbc text) regarding this case, which makes me thinks that it is not our lawyers fault.
we lost this case bcoz singapore made its stand on what suppose to be accepted internationally that is BY INTERNATIONAL LAW, whereas, we (i hate to say WE) babbled about passion and geographical history.
I watched the news about the verdict, that the court has made the decision based on a few facts… our lawyers might not be at fault as you claimed, and frankly… I think Singapore has more ground on this claim too.
Oh I heard on that pic too. Anyway, if Singapore deserve to win, that’s good. Im glad that the results didnt affect the 2 nations bilateral ties in anyway :)
[...] Singaporean friend was telling me that Malaysia is coming out with this rule to revenge the lost of Batu Puteh. It was just a joke, but it makes me wonder if there are any Singaporeans who actually thought [...]