Pulau Batu Putih Dispute

The International Court Of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague has just delivered judgement on the Pulau Batu Putih (or Pedra Blanca) dispute between Malaysia and Singapore. By a vote of 12 to 4, the ICJ finds that sovereignty over Pulau Batu Putih belongs to Singapore. The ICJ also held that the smaller Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia (which was expected and does not constitute any form of consolation as far as I am concerned). Reading the press release posted on the ICJ website, it would appear that everything centered on the then Johore acting State Secretary's reply to the Colonial Secretary of Singapore stating that Johore does not claim ownership of the land which the tribunal concluded to be of 'central importance'. Though its a tiny uninhabited island, I can't help but feel sad that this has happened. It probably is insignificant in the totality of life here but I just feel that the country got smaller all of a sudden. Its reported that we are now 13 square km smaller due to the decision. Lets be grateful for what we have and not take things for granted.