SINGAPORE – A stable and prosperous Malaysia is good for Singapore and the region, said the republic’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
He said this in Parliament today, in response to questions on whether Malaysia’s current political situation has implications for Singapore.
“Naturally, the Singapore government watches developments in Malaysia very closely,” he said, adding that “Singapore’s consistent position is to work with the government of the day”.
The two countries will always remain closely intertwined and interdependent, he said.
“We are committed to engaging and cooperating with the new Malaysian government to seek win-win outcomes for the long term.
“This is especially important so that both our countries can recover and emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He expressed confidence that the bilateral cooperation will continue to expand for the mutual benefit of both nations’ citizens.
Balakrishnan noted that Singapore leaders are familiar with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his cabinet members.
Ismail Sabri was sworn in on August 21, and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong spoke with him the next morning.
“Indeed, we have worked with them on many bilateral and regional issues over the years,” said Balakrishnan.
He said he and Ismail Sabri have known each other from when they both held the youth and sports portfolio in their respective countries.
“We also met during my visit to Malaysia in March this year, when we discussed Covid-19 safeguards and cross-border travel arrangements.
“Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah is also a familiar face. We worked closely together when he held the foreign affairs portfolio between 2018 and 2020.”
He said the two countries’ civil service maintains good ties, and officials from both sides have been in regular contact.
He stressed that Singapore remains committed to maintaining a constructive and positive relationship with Putrajaya.
“We will also follow through with our commitments to our bilateral projects and partnerships.”
He said Singapore has enjoyed good relations with successive Malaysian governments and leaders, and cooperated well across a wide range of areas.
He cited the quick action taken in the early days of the pandemic to set up a Singapore-Malaysia special working committee, to coordinate measures to minimise disruptions to companies, workers and citizens.
The panel was co-chaired by Singapore’s National Security Minister Teo Chee Hean and Ismail Sabri, who was then defence minister.
Balakrishnan said several travel arrangements, such as the Periodic Commuting Arrangement for workers and a framework for emergency visits in the event of a death or critical illness, were also launched.
“These travel arrangements will, of course, continue.”
He was asked how the Singapore government will move forward on bilateral partnerships with Malaysia, such as those concerning the Johor Baru-Singapore rapid transit system (RTS) and Covid-19 border control.
On the RTS project, he said construction “has, in fact, commenced on both sides, and there has been good progress”.
The project will be a game changer when it begins operations at end-2026, and “we look forward to it significantly improving connectivity between Singapore and Johor Baru, and easing congestion on the Causeway”, he said.
Singapore and Malaysia in July reached an agreement to resume work on the link.
On Covid-19 border control, Balakrishnan said: “We are continuing discussions with the Malaysian government on the safe and gradual resumption of the cross-border movement of people as we enter the endemic phase.
“This will require mutually agreed public health protocols to preserve public health and the safety of residents on both sides, while taking into account the medical resources available.”
He noted that at present, both nations are working towards recognising each other’s vaccine certificates.
“Discussions have been fruitful and constructive, with good progress. This will certainly help us map our path forward for the safe reopening of our borders when the situation permits it.” – Bernama, September 13, 2021
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