Singapore-Malaysia Relations - Guarded Optimism

In reference to weekend Today June 13, 2009: Singapore-Malaysian Relations - Guarded Optimism

Minister Mentor Lee's recent visit to Kuala Lumpur can be said as "progressively succesful". He stressed the importance of a consistent, sustained relation with fair and balanced rights.

I believe MM Lee's visit to Kualar Lumpur is a positive reciprocation to Malaysian PM Najib Razak's recent stance of future new policies of cooperation between the two countries. It is also one of MM Lee's trip's motives to KL to state Singapore's position in settle past long-standing issues and renew confusing relations between the two countries on a positive note.

Although the Malaysian cabinet is solidly behind PM Najib's stance of renewing bilateral relations, MM Lee's rich experience tells him that it is not enough. Both countries need to be ensured that this policy is a long-term commitment with fair and balanced rights in place. The policy must also apply across the board, not just in specific, selective areas.

MM Lee knew well that this policy is a big commitment. It is not a simple task to take. Though there would be challenges on the way, he was quick to stress the benefits derived from this policy as a motivation.

Examples of benefits include ease to attract private investors to commit into huge Malaysia projects eg. Iskanda Malaysia Economic Zone or the proposed third bridge from Changi to Desaru. Singapore could also be more assured to invest in economic plants in Malaysia as this also make more economic sense to Singapore.

While certain "hiccups" could not be avoided during the long relation bulding and cooperation process, MM Lee felt that this could easily be resolved of ministers and top officials from both countries are 'close' and 'friendly'towards each other. This relationship can build through frequent meetings, informal ways such as telephone calls and combined celebrations for big events and festivals.

As for long-standing bilateral issues, MM Lee feels that they could be easily solved. All issues can be in 'black and white' agreements, and the issues could be easily thrased out between both parties. In the last resort, these can be handed over to third party adjudication.