MALAYSIA will not go to war with Singapore over the nations’ maritime dispute, assured Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saying the matter will be resolved via talks or the courts.

The prime minister said it is common for neighbours to squabble over territorial claims.

“These things do happen between neighbours when claims are made,” he said during a live interview with RTM tonight.

“For us, it’s not that we look to go to war or anything. But we have to admit there are problems between us, and those problems can be resolved in a good manner.

“We can resolve them through negotiations. If we cannot resolve them through negotiations or arbitration, then we can go to the courts.

“That is our way. If we hold on to the truth and the rule of law, we are confident that we will win.”

Earlier today, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia will not pull back its vessels from disputed waters while negotiations with Singapore are ongoing.

“The vessels are there at the moment because there has been no decision. Both Singaporean vessels and our vessels are there.”

The Singaporean Home Ministry, in a statement today, said Putrajaya’s move serves only to heighten tensions between the countries, and that Singapore is disappointed by Malaysia’s refusal to remove its ships pending negotiations on maritime boundaries.

“Singapore reiterates its call for Malaysia to revert to the status quo ante prior to October 25. This will avoid misunderstandings and potential issues on the ground.

“Malaysia’s deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim and can only heighten tensions.

“Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from the continued deployment of its vessels in this area.”

The dispute began when Malaysia extended the limits of one of its southern ports, with Singapore claiming that the move encroached on its waters off Tuas.

Singapore has lodged diplomatic protests, saying the extension was done unilaterally. Malaysia has maintained that the new lines are within its waters.

Singapore also said between November 24 and December 5, Malaysian vessels committed 14 intrusions into the area.

The republic has extended its own port limits, and reiterated the call for Malaysian ships to leave Singapore waters.

In a video uploaded on Facebook today, Singaporean Parliament Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin called on his countrymen to unite against the Malaysian government, which he claimed is trying to create discord to distract citizens from domestic issues.

He urged Singaporeans to pray for the nation’s air force and Home Team Departments, which comprise a half-dozen security agencies, and to stay resolute. – December 10, 2018.