Singapore, Malaysia to keep overall approach to engagement but also pursue new ideas: PM Wong
Both leaders discuss projects such as the Johor-Singapore economic zone, and tricky subjects such as airspace and maritime boundaries
SINGAPORE and Malaysia will continue efforts to resolve long-standing bilateral issues while also exploring new possibilities, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his first trip to Malaysia since taking the premier position on May 15.
“There will be continuity in terms of our overarching strategic approach in engaging one another, but also opportunities for new ideas to deepen our ties further,” said PM Wong at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (Jun 12).
Anwar noted that Singapore’s former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong “has been a great friend, and been very supportive of efforts to enhance relations and settle some of the outstanding issues”, adding that he was glad that PM Wong is similarly committed.
PM Wong’s trip to Kuala Lumpur was the second stop of his introductory visits to South-east Asian capitals, following his visit to Brunei the day before.
The joint press conference came after a lunch meeting between both leaders, where they discussed projects such as the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and outstanding bilateral issues such as water, airspace and maritime borders.
These issues “can and should be resolved in the interest of future relations and strengthening the bond of friendship between both countries”, said Anwar.
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PM Wong said that he and Anwar are committed to tackling these issues constructively. Discussions are ongoing, and both leaders will continue to provide the strategic direction for officials to make progress, he said.
He added that they will “take stock” at the next Leaders’ Retreat, which will take place in Malaysia later this year.
The rapport between both prime ministers “will allow us to send a clear message to our ministers and officials that we want them to negotiate, discuss the outstanding issues in the right spirit”, he said, even with the countries’ differences. Asked by the media if there would be a strategic change on the water issue or a timeline, Anwar replied that there is “no question” that Malaysia must sell water to Singapore, just as there is “no question” that both countries must work together on airspace and maritime boundaries.
“The issue is to get the nitty-gritty details resolved,” he said. “The faster it could be done, the better.”
While it would be “marvellous” if these issues could be solved before the year-end meeting, this may take some time, he added.
More cooperation
PM Wong noted that both countries already cooperate across almost every sector: health, education, culture, trade, investments, connectivity as well as emerging areas such as the digital economy and renewable energy.
He highlighted the Johor-Singapore SEZ and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link as two “promising projects” that will increase the cross-border flow of people, goods and investments, benefitting both Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Anwar noted that both countries will also work together within the framework of Asean, as the regional grouping focuses on issues such as energy, digital, trade and joint investments.
During the lunch, Anwar also raised the possibility of Singapore sending its teachers to various regions in Malaysia, to teach English and other subjects. This is an example of the new ideas that both countries can consider, said PM Wong.
New opportunities for collaboration go beyond the government and civil service, PM Wong added in response to questions from the media.
“It includes the private sector, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), civil society, our universities, and our teachers,” he said. “Whatever new ideas there are, we want to find ways in which we can really bring our countries together.”
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