‘NEXT STEP DEPENDS ON KL-S’PORE TALKS’
Important for both to reach agreement, says Saifuddin
THE next course of action after the onemonth postponement of Malaysia’s permanent restricted area (RA) over Pasir Gudang airspace and Singapore’s implementation of the instrument landing system (ILS) procedures for Seletar Airport depends on discussions between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said it was important for both countries to reach an agreement and prove that issues and disputes involving Malaysia and Singapore could be negotiated.
“That is more important to me,” he said after watching the Asean Basketball match between Westports Malaysia Dragons and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas here.
He said the move taken by both countries in naming the people who would head the discussions showed that there was an “agreement” between Malaysia and Singapore.
The one-month postponement was made known in a joint statement issued after a meeting between Saifuddin and his Singapore counterpart, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, in the republic to discuss airspace and maritime disputes.
They agreed that, in the meantime, transport ministers from both countries should meet soon to discuss the RA and the Seletar Airport’s ILS procedures to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation.
On maritime issues surrounding the Johor Baru and Singapore port limits, they agreed to establish a working group jointly headed by Singapore Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Chee Wee Kiong and Malaysian Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob.
The working group is to report to the foreign ministers within two months.