Malaysia-Singapore maritime dispute can be settled with some give and take

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and Singapore need to learn how to give and take, be accommodative of one another and understand each other’s ‘feelings’ when it comes to dealing with the much talked-about maritime border dispute recently.

Renowned social activist and political analyst Dr Chandra Muzaffar said it is pivotal for both countries to be tolerant and willing to admit errors in a bid to reach an amicable settlement regarding the issue, which has brought both countries at loggerheads again.

“Both countries need to be open with each other...keep in mind Singapore will always be there and we will always be here…we have to find ways and need of living together because geography doesn’t change.

“Whenever there’s a dispute we have to find ways and means to resolve it as effectively and efficiently as possible, and the most important thing is to ensure justice is served,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.

The Singapore and Malaysia bilateral spat on maritime boundaries with matters related to the Johor Bahru port limits, resurfaced on Dec 4 when the republic claimed the recent extension of the limits had encroached into Singapore Territorial Water off Tuas.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the claim was inaccurate, pointing out that the new port limits were in Malaysia’s territorial sea. - Bernama