SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA SHOULD SMOOTHEN RELATIONS

SINGAPORE, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Singapore and Malaysia should not create more impediments that could cause unnecessary hardships to the people from both countries, Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore N. Parameswaran said.

Instead, both countries should step up their current cordial relations
further for the wellbeing of both peoples, he said.
He said both sides should let loose their creativity in finding solutions
to settle the many problems between them.
"I'm in favour of building many more bridges between the two countries, not
the concrete and steel ones but bridges of flesh and blood," he said at a
reception here last night to mark Malaysia's 51st National Day.
Over 500 guests including foreign diplomats, Singapore's top politicians,
business tycoons, senior military officers and Malaysians working here attended
the reception which began with the breaking of fast (iftar) by the Muslim
guests.
Singapore's Law Minister K. Shanmugam was the guest of honour at the
reception, representing his government.
In response, Shanmugam said he hoped the relations between Singapore and
Malaysia continued to stay strong based on mutual respect and friendship.
He said Singapore would certainly take action to build more bridges, but
those of trust that would strengthen the relations of the two neighbouring
countries.