Malaysia, Singapore Ties At Its Best Ever, Says Malaysian Envoy

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Following the resolution reached on the Points of Agreement (PoA) between Malaysia and Singapore, bilateral ties is not only at its best but is poised to scale greater heights in the coming years, says Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Md Hussin Nayan. Against the backdrop of this new atmosphere, he said both sides were now making strenuous efforts to further sustain the positive momentum by exploring new opportunities. "As the world is facing a whole new set of challenges, brought about by pressures of globalisation, new political and uncertain economic and financial environment, there is perhaps greater opportunity for the two countries to work more closely. "The governments of Malaysia and Singapore are currently working on implementing the PoA and matters agreed to at the last retreat (in 2010)," he told Bernama. These include, among others, the development of the iconic project in Iskandar Malaysia and the Rapid Transit System connecting the two countries. Md Hussin said the cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment not only remained high but was expanding faster as the business communities and investors from both sides took advantage of the preferential tariff scheme under the Asean Free Trade Area and new commercially driven and attractive projects. The High Commissioner said outstanding issues between the two countries were currently being addressed through extensive engagements at the official levels. "Both sides fully understand the importance of resolving them peacefully, taking into account the need to maintain economic and political stability in the region," he added. He also pointed out that 2011 saw a number of high-level visits between the Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers and other Cabinet ministers from both countries. He said the official visits, in addition to many other official engagements, played a significant role in boosting the positive atmosphere, as well as, in opening more opportunities for closer cooperation between the two countries at the government, businesses and people-to-people level. Md Hussin disclosed that the Malaysian embassy in Singapore has been informed that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will meet his Malaysian counterpart Najib at the Malaysia-Singapore Annual Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya early in the new year. "The fact that the PMs are meeting regularly is an indication of the serious commitment attached by both countries to further enhance the bilateral relation and cooperation for mutual benefits. "The continued and increasing exchange of visits at all levels augured well for future ties between Malaysia and Singapore," he added. Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the bilateral relations between the two countries has taken on a different dimension. "I think it is more deeper, I mean the bilateral relations are more friendly, there are more exchanges. On the political side, things are good and on economic side, it is also good, so it is moving in the right direction. "The two neighbours have to look at themselves not only as inter-dependent on one another but also in terms of integration," he said. Syed Hamid stressed that Singapore would benefit from the various and rapid development taking place in Johor and on the other hand, "we need Singaporean investors and tourists to come to Malaysia". Touching on leadership, he said: "I think the relationship between the leaders of both nations is superb. "This is contributing greatly to strengthening and deepening existing relations between the two countries," he added. -- BERNAMA