My Version of South East Asia (SEA)

Last Friday, we were tasked by our lecturer Mr. Sharaad Kuttan to map out the South East Asian region without relying on the Internet or atlases, which proved to be a daunting challenge at that moment. I remembered the exact positions of all the ASEAN countries except Laos and Cambodia, but I was not able to depict each country's exact geographical features. Only then did it occur to me that I was oblivious to my own surroundings, and what was close to me: home. So here is my 'artwork' of South East Asia, relying only on my memory and common sense!




Now compare it with the official map of South East Asia:


Mr. Kuttan reminded us to not regard ourselves as merely Malaysians but also members of a much larger community. Besides remembering the geographical features South East Asia, familiarity with its rich history, cultures,politics and current events was also a prerequisite to be an efficient and knowledgeable journalist whose home comprises 11 nations and 581,000,000 people.

It was interesting to discover that much of South East Asia's geographical characteristics and politics helped shaped the region into what it is today. For instance, Thailand remained a 'free land' throughout its history partly because it acted as a political buffer. Wedged between British-occupied Burma and the 3 French territories, namely modern-day Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, it served as the keeper of peace. Everyone knows the British and and the French were never on good terms since time immemorial; both sides fought numerous wars against each other, including the Hundred Years' War and the Anglo-French Wars.

Therefore, Siam (now Thailand) was the only country that separated 2 potentially antagonistic entities, as an area between two rival powers that serves to lessen the danger of conflict. The then King of Siam had to concede Laos and Cambodia to the French to grant commercial concessions to France. This move ensured Thailand's independence but it became a buffer state between French Indochina and the British Raj.

It is also important to note that the formation of Malaysia was mainly a political move made by the British against the Indonesia's planned expansion to incorporate Malaya, North Borneo and the Philippines and form a massive Malay empire called Indonesia Raya or Maphilindo. Notice that the geography of Malaysia would provide a strong front and act as a vanguard against both impending Indonesian aggression and the spread of communism. The British also had Tunku Abdul Rahman as the prime-mover behind the federation of states of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore into the Federation of Malaysia; a popular political figure like himself could easily exert his influence over these states and disregard any attempts made by the Philippines and Indonesia to undermine his effort.

Finally, we as citizens of South East Asia must not only be familiar with each country's whereabouts on the map but more importantly understand and be aware of the political issues of yesteryear that helped shape the modern landscapes of today, not to mention the pressing regional issues of today which may prove critical in shaping South East Asia's social, political and economic future.

Cheers.

P.S.: Do feel free and drop a comment about your thoughts on several important issues related to South East Asia that is worth mentioning: Aung San Suu Kyi, Thailand unrest, 'Ganyang' invasion and so on.