All eyes on Scotland referendum

As an approximate 4.3 million Scottish cast their votes in one of the country's historical Independence Referendum, its citizens contemplate on whether or not to split off from the United Kingdom to form an independent state.

The number of voters which make up 97 per cent of Scotland’s population — registered to vote in the independence referendum will be asked one pertinent question: “should Scotland be an independent country?”

And the voters only have two choices of two of the three-letter word: 'Yes' and 'No'.

For the past nine months – the Scottish Parliament passed a law authorizing the referendum on December 17 2013 -- campaigners from both sides in the referendum debate vigorously made their pitch to voters.

Pre-ballot polls indicated that the ‘No’ vote against independence was tipped ahead.

[PHOTO GALLERY]: Click here for 'Scotland Decides 'Yes' or 'No'

However, more recent polls from the fortnight suggest that the ‘yes’ camp has drawn an increasing traction, with a slight lead for a ‘No’ vote.

The result remains too close to call as the fate of the three-century-old union comes in question.

Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom since 1707 but under an agreement passed in October 2012, the Scottish people can now choose whether to sever its union with Britain.

“There are few issues – Scotland feels that the financial provisions, natural resources and seat allocations in the cabinet are dominated by London government and they want them rectified.”

The Scottish do not share the same view as London on some international agendas, such as its stand in the United Nations on international conflicts,” said Deputy Dean for Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University Malaya Associate Professor Dr. Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman.

If a majority choose the ‘No’, the question for Scotland’s independence will be put to rest for some time.

But if a majority choose ‘Yes’, the implications will be pretty extensive.

“If the Scottish people choose to secede, firstly, there will be a change of name because the country of the United Kingdom of Great Britain is made up of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

“For the government in London, it means a loss of territory and population – about 8.3 percent of the UK population – which is quite a substantial figure. It will mean a loss of revenue from taxes,” said the professor.

“In terms of economy, major banks operating in Scotland will move its operation out and this will be bad for Scotland.”

The indecisive voters – which amounted to about 8-10 percent – will determine the outcome of the referendum, added Dr. Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman.

Among other issues that will be considered if Scotland choose to secede is whether it will remain in the European Union, the use of pound sterling as currency, its monetary policies as well as whether to retain the Queen of England as head of state.

Burning hope for Catalonia

As the eyes of the world are on the historic Scotland vote, another secession movement is taking place in Catalonia.

The north-eastern Spanish region, home to Barcelona, has flirted with the idea of independence for a long time and is scheduled to vote on November 9 on whether it is to leave Spain.

Just last week, an estimated 1.8 million people took to the streets of Barcelona to demand for their own independent state.

However, the Spanish government has said it will consider the vote illegal.

“What is happening in the UK is a good example of mature politics whereby the voices of its people are respected and recognised," said CEO of Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs Wan Saiful Wan Jan during an interview with Astro AWANI.

“The referendum has many implications to other countries, like Catalonia, which has spurred its desire to secede too. The rights and wishes of the people should be respected by the government that they elected to power,” he added.

Rights for Sabah, Sarawak

Closer to home, organisations like the UK-based Borneo Plight in Malaysia (BoPim) and Sarawak Sovereign Malaysia (SSM) have been fighting for sovereignty in Sabah and Sarawak.

In June 2013, the two NGOs formed a collaboration to advocate for the states’ rights and autonomy, demanding that the Federal Government should limit their roles in matters pertaining to Defence, Foreign Affairs and the Economic Planning in Sabah and Sarawak.

“In any countries, even Malaysia, there has been call for secession. It is not something new. Singapore’s secession from Malaysia is an example,” added Wan Saiful.

“I welcome an open debate on such matters so that we can prove their argument to separate from Malaysia as weak. I’d rather to have the people be given the rights to speak and debate on issues, so that they can speak their mind and make choices. And we can prove them wrong,” he said.