KUALA LUMPUR: Ties between Malaysia and Singapore have grown stronger over the 52 years following the republic's independence on Aug 9, 1965, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He said many factors bind the ties closer including a shared history, being the closest neighbours, the fact that both nations joined Asean on Aug 8, 1967 as well as the republic’s dependence on water and raw material from Malaysia.
“Singapore is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner after China. In 2016, total trade between the countries amounted to RM190.16 billion or 13 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade that year," said Salleh on his blog (sskeruak.blogspot.my), in conjunction with the 52nd anniversary of the republic's independence.
The republic gained independence in 1965 after exiting the Federation of Malaya which was formed on Sept 16, 1963 and comprised Singapore besides Malaya as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
Salleh added that Singapore was also a major investor in Bandar Malaysia, Johor with an investment of RM11 billion.
“Singapore and Malaysia have worked together in many other fields. For instance, the two countries are working on the development of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, and working closely in addressing militant and cross-border crimes,” he added.
Salleh however said that there were times the countries faced issues that needed to be addressed prudently in order to prevent continuous conflicts.
“For instance, the cases of the water agreement (between Malaysia and Singapore), the Malayan Railway, Central Provident Fund, dispute over Pulau Batu Putih and sea reclamation. All these cases have been resolved amicably,” he said while citing past diplomatic issues, between the nations.
Salleh further hoped that the policy on “trading-partners” established by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would further strengthen diplomatic ties between Singapore and Malaysia.