With Pedra Branca back in the news, there's a whole lot of catching up to do on the dispute over the dung-covered island. 

The arguments can be really boring complex so we break them down into simple English Singlish for you so that you don't have to waste so much brain power on them.

What Singapore says:

Argument 1: It is Singapore’s case that Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore because the British colonial government took possession of the island over 160 years ago to build Horsburgh Lighthouse and other structures on it. At that time, Pedra Branca was uninhabited and it belonged to no one. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Singapore

Singlish subtext: Last time Pedra Branca was ulu, then our ang moh (Western) rulers come and build one sibei dua kee (very big) lighthouse, so now it's ours lor.

Argument 2: Singapore has continuously and openly conducted acts of a sovereign nature over the entire island and its surrounding waters. In contrast, Malaysia did nothing and did not protest against any of the actions of Singapore. - MFA

Singlish subtext: Singapore always do this and do that on the island and around it because it's ours mah. When we do all that, Malaysia also neh (never) say anything.

Argument 3: In 1953, Johor stated in official correspondence with Singapore that it did not claim ownership over Pedra Branca. Malaysia also published a series of official maps from 1962 to 1975 depicting Pedra Branca as belonging to Singapore. - MFA

Singlish subtext: Not just Singapore say one, Malaysia also got say before that Pedra Branca is Singapore one.

What Malaysia says:

Argument 1: "[T]he Sultanate of Johor had possessed title to the island since its establishment in 1512. That original title was then transmitted to the State of Johor, and subsequently to the Federation of Malaya, which Johor joined in 1948." - The Straits Times

Singlish subtext: Pedra Branca is Malaysian property for over 500 years hor. Cannot anyhow take away from us.

Argument 2: "Malaysia cited an 1844 letter that it claimed was a grant of permission by the Johor rulers to the British, for the latter to build and operate a lighthouse there. Malaysia argued that the British and their successor, Singapore, were merely lighthouse operators and never exercised sovereignty over the island." - The Straits Times

Singlish subtext: I let you build and run lighthouse there, but the island still mine leh, you also neh prevent the birds from shitting on the island until it turn puteh (white).

More on Pedra Branca:

5 things you should know about Pedra Branca now that it’s back in the news

Top photo by adapted from Google Maps.

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