The struggle between Malaysia and Singapore

In 1963 the British colonies of Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah joined from what of then would be called Malaysia. Singapore joined Malaysia, although there were a lot of problems with the majority of the population being Chinese. Because of that, tensions grew stronger and two years after the connection Singapore was kicked out of the federation. Tensions between Malay people and people from Singapore still exist (Ars, 2001).
The Malaysian and Singaporean governments have been involved in a range of disputes and disagreements which have tested the relations between the two countries. There has been a long list of issues: the railway, airspace, water supply, pension funds of Malaysians working in Singapore, land reclamation, Singapore's treatment of its Malay minority, and more.
There have been some territorial or border disputes which the International Court of Justice had to decide on. “There is a great deal of cross-border traffic, with an estimated 200,000 Malaysians commuting daily or weekly to jobs in Singapore, and Singaporeans going to Malaysia for entertainment and tourism. Malaysian Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) procedures are completed at the Tanjung Pagar railway station in central Singapore on land owned by the Malaysian railroad. On August 1, 1998, Singapore moved its CIQ facilities to the Woodlands, closer to the Malaysian border. Malaysia refused to move its CIQ facilities, so that rail passengers must undergo two inspections at two locations. Though the incident strained relations between the two governments, visits between Malaysian and Singapore were unaffected.” (Haron, 1998)
Malaysia provides Singapore with about half its water. In the past, Singapore has been cut off of that supply of water because Malaysia needed more water because of the draught. There have been disputes on the price of water as well (the most recent in 2003). Malaysia wanted to renegotiate the price which was agreed on in the 1920s. “Singapore accused Malaysia of changing its stance in negotiations over issues such as water prices, border crossing locations and military airspace by handing out booklets. Malaysia replied with a $526,000 ad campaign accusing Singapore of soiling Malaysia's reputation by spreading misconceptions over the spat” (US Water news, 2003).
Although there is quite some struggle between the two governments, you hardly notice the problems in daily life. Asking several people about their opinions about Singapore gives the idea that there aren’t any problems between the people. Singapore is seen as nothing special by Malaysians though. They only thing they see better in Singapore is the clubbing scene.