Have you ever had an ex-boyfriend that just wouldn't give up, no matter how many times he was told to go away?

For some reason, that's what comes to mind after the latest announcement from the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Public hearings incoming

On April 5, the ICJ announced that it will hold public hearings in June, for two cases that Malaysia has brought against Singapore for the fate of Pedra Branca.

The first is Malaysia's application to revise the ICJ's 2008 judgment, which gave Singapore sovereignty of Pedra Branca. The hearings will begin on June 11 and last for four days.

The second is Malaysia's application for "interpretation" of that judgment. ICJ will also hold public hearings for this, on June 18 - 19 and June 21 - 22.

The application for revision was based on newly discovered documents from the UK's national archives that supposedly makes their claim to Pedra Branca stronger.

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However, Singapore has already responded, basically saying "Nice try, but no." In a press statement released on July 1, 2017, our MFA said:

"Malaysia’s request for the ICJ to interpret the judgment is puzzling. Singapore will therefore oppose Malaysia’s application for interpretation, which we consider to be both unnecessary and without merit.

Just as we are confident of our case on the revision application, we are also confident that we are on strong grounds to oppose this latest application by Malaysia for interpretation. Singapore is committed to resolving these issues in accordance with international law."

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament on March 2, 2017, that he was "confident of our legal team and our case."

Justice League

Singapore has assembled an all-star Justice League to handle the Pedra Branca case, including:

• Attorney-General Lucien Wong
• Professor S Jayakumar
• Professor Tommy Koh
• Former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong

They are likely to be present at the scheduled public hearings.

Singapore's finest legal experts vs Malaysia's best lawyers?

Bring it on.

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Top image adapted from Pinterest and Iconfinder.