Resolving thorny issues amicably
Despite having differing views on various matters, Malaysia and Singapore aim to resolve them in a friendly manner. Prime Ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Lee Hsien Loong attest to this, saying that both countries would always eventually find a way to sort out these issues.
PUTRAJAYA: Despite differences which at times had led to strained relations and minor squabbles, Malaysia and Singapore have always managed to maintain good ties with each other.
Both Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Lee Hsien Loong attest to this, saying that both countries would always eventually find a way to resolve their issues.
Dr Mahathir said compared to many neighbouring countries, Malaysia and Singapore never resorted to violence when resolving differences.
“Our ties have always been good. At least, we are always on talking terms. We have never resolved a problem through violent actions like going to war with Singapore.
“This is not a minor achievement as some countries that have problems with their neighbours try to solve it with wars and in the end both sides will lose,” said the Prime Minister when describing ties between the two neighbours.
Dr Mahathir likened ties between Malaysia and Singapore as that of two civilised people who did not believe in violence.
Lee said as close neighbours, the two countries must expect issues to arise from time to time.
“But the key is to manage problems, contain the side effects and work towards win-win outcomes.
“As close neighbours, both parties work hard to manage the relationship,” he said.
When asked if the maritime border and airspace disputes have had a lasting effect on ties, Lee said these issues needed to be managed well.
“Then it can be productive for both countries and the overall relationship. If it is not managed well, it can poison the relationship,” he said.
Lee revealed that because he was worried that things were not going in the right direction, he wrote to Dr Mahathir and tasked his deputy Teo Chee Hean to deliver the letter and explain in person his concerns over the issues.
“I’m happy that Dr Mahathir gave them a hearing, took what they said and acted accordingly on the Malaysian side to bring things to where we are today,” said Lee.
The airspace dispute was resolved with Singapore’s withdrawal of the Instrument Landing System for Seletar Airport, while Malaysia revoked the restricted area above Pasir Gudang airspace.
The maritime border issue was alleviated when both countries agreed to suspend the implementation of the overlapping port limits off Tanjung Piai and Tuas.