PUTRAJAYA: Wisma Putra today called the Singaporean High Commissioner to Malaysia to discuss the latest developments arising from the Declaration of Alteration of Port Limits for Johore Bahru Port published on Oct 25 and the Singapore Port Marine Circular No 9 of 2018 dated Dec 6.
In a statement earlier, it said during the discussion, it welcomed Singapore’s continued emphasis on the importance of dialogue, and its willingness to engage with Malaysia in resolving matters amicably, along with its consideration of Malaysia’s proposed agenda for the bilateral discussion.
"Malaysia is also agreeable to Singapore’s counter-proposed dates in January 2019," the statement read.
The ministry said it referred to Singapore’s Diplomatic Note of Dec 8 in which Singapore declined Malaysia’s proposal for both countries to mutually cease and desist sending assets into the disputed area effective midnight Dec 8 with a view of promoting de-escalation of tensions on the ground, pending discussions on outstanding maritime boundary issues.
It said Singapore also called upon Malaysia to return to the status quo prior to Oct 25, 2018 by immediately withdrawing all Malaysian Government vessels in the area.
Wisma Putra said both countries acknowledged that any measures taken, would be without prejudice to their own claims.
"While the government of Malaysia is unable to accede to Singapore’s counter-proposal, Malaysia will take all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground, reaffirming its position to handle the situation in a calm and peaceful manner," it said.
In the meantime, Wisma Putra said Malaysia reiterated the importance of strong bilateral relations between the two countries, and hope that discussions will commence expeditiously.