Ties with Singapore going strong, says Salleh

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s relations with Singapore are growing strong and remain intact due to several factors, says Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

In a posting on his blog, in conjunction with Singapore’s 52nd National Day, the Communications and Multimedia Minister said both countries shared a common history, were each other’s closest neighbours and joined Asean together on Aug 8, 1967.

Singapore, he said, also relied on Malaysia for raw water and other supplies.

“Going ahead, it is hoped that the trading partner policy which our Prime Minister spearheaded will be able to strengthen ties further between both countries,” said Salleh.

Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia on Aug 9, 1965, to become an independent country.

Salleh said trade relations between both countries were also significant.

Singapore is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner after China and has the largest investment in Bandar Iskandar Malaysia.

Both countries are planning to develop high speed rail links with each other and work very closely in areas such as combating militancy and crossborder crime.

Salleh said that although relations were good, there were times when problems arose between both countries.

“They should be wisely tackled so as not to create conflict.

“Examples include the water agreement, the Keretapi Tanah Melayu case, the Central Provident Fund, the dispute over Pulau Batu Putih and land reclamation.

“All these cases have already been resolved well,” Salleh added.