This, despite the fact that Malaysia and Singapore had announced that both countries would abide by the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

This move will strain the good relations between the two countries.

Malaysia claims that a 19th century letter from Butterworth seeking permission from the then Johor Sultan was not produced in the ICJ. Malaysia could not trace the letter.

It is preposterous to insinuate that two letters from Butterworth in 1844 to the rulers regarding the building of a lighthouse on Pedra Branca could have been hidden by Singapore.

In spite of the ICJ's ruling, which both countries welcomed as fair and justified, why is Malaysia making a 'U' turn?

Retnam Thillainathan