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Malaysia will adopt a modest and cautious approach on regional issues

KUANTAN: Malaysia will continue to adopt a modest and cautious approach in resolving any issues concerning neighbouring countries in the Asean region.

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the approach is in line with Malaysia’s longstanding foreign policy which is to ensure that strong ties between Asean countries, especially neighboring countries, are always maintained.

“For example.the airspace issue involving the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Seletar Airport between Malaysia and Singapore, I will be going to Singapore on Jan 8 to discuss the matter with my Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

There was a close door meeting yesterday between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean in Putrajaya, and it went on smoothly,” he told reporteers here today.

Saifuddin, who is also Indera Mahkota member of parliament, was met after opening the intake for Form Six classes at SMK Astana here.

Also present was State Education director Dr Tajuddin Mohd Yunus.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said several other issues will be discussed during his meeting with Dr Balakrishnan on Jan 8 and the focus will be on the airspace dispute between Malaysia and Singapore which has been an issue over the past few months.

“The one involving the airspace will be priority as Singapore plans to use the airspace above Pasir Gudang in Johor for Singapore’s Seletar Airport.

“We have opposed (the plan) and declared the airspace as “restricted area” which might pose problems to Singapore. I am confident that through a discussion we can look into a “win-win situation” for both countries,” he said.

Saifuddin said the Foreign Affairs Ministry had adopted three measures in solving disputes with priority given to defending the security of the country and its people.

“Besides that, we also give priority to the economic sector and although we prefer to use a diplomatic approach, we still remain firm in ensuring the identity and dignity of the country is safeguarded in all situations,” he said.

Source: NST