‘INTRUSION UNDERMINES GOODWILL, TRUST’
Singapore will take measures to safeguard interests, says foreign minister
SINGAPORE Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has labelled the visit by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian to a Malaysian ship anchored inside what the republic claims are its waters, as having “undermined the goodwill and trust necessary for further co-operation between the two countries”.
Delivering a statement in response to questions filed by Singaporean Members of Parliament on the bilateral disputes, Dr Balakrishnan, quoted by Singapore’s Today Online, said Osman’s visit to the Malaysian Marine Department’s vessel Pedoman on Jan 9 completely “went against the spirit of the agreement” between him and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, the day before.
Agencies quoted Dr Balakrishnan as saying that Singapore would continue to take measures to safeguard its interests.
“We will always take appropriate measures to safeguard our interests, and any country dealing with Singapore must not assume that it is cost-free to embark on any adventures or antics against us.
“There will be consequences.” Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore looked forward to resolving issues amicably and stressed that the strength of its diplomacy depends on “domestic unity and resilience and the fact that we cannot be intimidated or bought”.
Dr Balakrishnan said the attorneys-general of both countries would meet on an undisclosed date to discuss whether Malaysia had the right to review water prices under the 1962 Water Agreement.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said he would meet the Johor menteri besar soon regarding the allegation that the vessel which Osman was in had encroached on Singapore’s territorial waters in Tuas last Wednesday.
Saifuddin said the meeting was crucial as many issues involving Malaysia and Singapore involved Johor.
“The meeting is being arranged. I will meet him (Osman) as soon as possible,” he said.
Singapore was reported to have sent a protest note to Malaysia on Friday over the issue. It was reported that this was the reason Singapore had called off a joint ministerial committee meeting for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM), which was scheduled to be held yesterday.
Wisma Putra issued a statement on Sunday stating that Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali would meet his counterpart, Singapore’s National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, and Dr Balakrishnan to discuss bilateral issues.
Saifuddin said Malaysia understood the reason given by Singapore to postpone the JMCIM meeting and that a new date for the meeting would be decided later.
“I want to stress that we understand the reason given for the postponement.
“What is important is Azmin is meeting his Singapore counterpart to discuss other matters, which depicts the good ties between the two nations and is a positive development after my meeting with Dr Balakrishnan on Jan 8.
“Many of the issues between Malaysia and Singapore should be viewed from a wider perspective.”
Saifuddin said Wisma Putra and other government agencies held meetings with their counterparts in the island republic because ties with Singapore not only involved Wisma Putra and Johor, but also the Transport Ministry and Marine Department.
“It is usual for inter-agency meetings to be held, which will see the attendance of senior officers.
“But such meetings are not made public.
“This is the same with meetings taking place between officers from the Malaysian and Singaporean Foreign Ministries. It is a continuous process.”