Singapore To Support Malaysia In Capacity As Asean Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Singapore will give its support to Malaysia in undertaking its responsibility as Asean Chairman as well as in playing its role as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year. Singapore Parliament Speaker Halimah Yacob (left) said Singapore would continue to give support to Malaysia given that both countries had shared and cooperated in many matters, especially those related to regional issues. "Next year Malaysia will do many things. Hence Singapore will continue to provide support on issues on any of Malaysia's efforts," she told reporters after making a courtesy call on Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament) President Pandikar Amin Mulia in Parliament building here Wednesday. Halimah, who is also here for an official three-day visit at the invitation of Pandikar Amin, said Malaysia was the nearest, closest and most important neighbour for Singapore and the two countries had good and close ties in various aspects. She also expressed her sympathy for the tragedy that befallen Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 and flight MH17. Flight MH370, together with 239 passengers and crew, was enroute to Beijing when it dispppeared about one hour later after departing from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport last March 8. Flight MH17, was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, when it was shot down in east Ukraine on July 17 killing all 298 passengers and crew, including 44 Malaysians and 38 Australians. Halimah also had meetings with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Shahidan Kassim, who is in charge of parliamentary affairs, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Women and Social Development Affairs Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Later in the afternoon, Halimah also paid a courtesy call on Senate president Abu Zahar Ujang (right). Abu Zahar told reporters that the meeting that lasted about 30 minutes, among others, discussed efforts to enhance and strengthen the cordial ties between the two countries. "We also share views and opinions on how Singapore develops its country from the economic, housing and social problem-solving aspects," he said. He said Halimah also invited Malaysian Members of Parliament to hold meetings and dialogues with Singapore Members of Parliament in that country. -- BERNAMA