[mc32]

I think it's overall a good move, given 12% of their land is used up by transport networks and it's a tiny island.

That said, if space is a real constraint, I think they could make a deal with Malaysia, if they really needed to, but I think their independent streak is too strong to allow that thought --they once were part of it, pre-independence. On the other hand there are "autonomous" regions out there.

The question[1] has been considered in some circles, although more fantasy than anything else due to enormous, maybe insurmountable, cultural and ethnic differences. One is Sinetic the other Malay --and in the past lead to some terrible ethnic riots.

[1]https://www.quora.com/What-if-Singapore-combines-with-Malays...

[sho]

> more fantasy than anything else

You got that right. This will never happen.

[tixocloud]

Singapore has a lot to gain from it's independence from Malaysia and the ideologies on how to govern a country differ greatly from the 2 ruling parties so little chance of joining together.

That said, Singapore has been friendly with neighbouring Johor for many years so a deal could be possible given the state's own ambitions.

[swyx]

its like a bad breakup. Singapore and Malaysia were married, got into a huge fight, separated, and after living happily as neighbors for 50 years you want them to make a deal to cohabitate again?

[nopzor]

It's funny to look at the history. When Singapore separated from Malaysia, many people thought that Singapore wouldn't be able to survive as an independent nation island state, with no natural resources. Today Singapore has the last laugh; they're the regional economic superpower.

[swyx]

i dunno about superpower. indonesia probably has that title.