Malaysia – Singapore to hold more talks early 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will hold talks with Singapore early next year to find solutions to the disputed maritime issue.

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said negotiations involving his ministry and the Singapore Foreign Ministry would discuss the territorial waters of both countries now being disputed.

“What is most important is that both countries have agreed to hold talks in early January. Actually this negotiation has taken place over the past week but it only involves the officers’ level.

“That is why both countries are currently agreeing to reduce presence in the disputed area, so Malaysia and Singapore only have one or two boats in the area. What is important is our presence is minimal and not aggressive,” he said in Dewan Negara, here, today.

Saifuddin was replying to a question by Senator Datuk Razali Idris who asked what was the status of the relationship between Malaysia and Singapore following the recent issue.

The issue of maritime dispute arose after the island republic claimed that Malaysia invaded its territorial waters around Tuas in a move to expand Johor Bharu’s port limits.

Commenting further, Saifuddin said Malaysia would be cautious in taking action to safeguard relations between the two countries while at the same time safeguarding sovereignty and national interest.

“I think Malaysia in this matter is very disciplined. Not many ministers who make statements and statements are very modest and cautious. Even Foreign Ministry statements are all written so that they are not misinterpreted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said Malaysia would also negotiate with Singapore to resolve aerial issues especially involving the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the Seletar Airport.

“The system will have a big impact on the development in Pasir Gudang following the height restriction of the structure in the area. We will negotiate again with Singapore to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation and the people,” he said.

Source: NST