MALAYSIA will be solely responsible if “untoward situations” arise due to its insistence on deploying its vessels in disputed waters, warned Singapore.

The republic’s Home Ministry, in a statement today, said Putrajaya’s move will 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 statement said Singapore’s Home Minister K. Shanmugan and Attorney-General Lucien Wong met with Attorney-General Tommy Thomas on Friday to discuss the maritime dispute, during which Singaporean officials proposed that Putrajaya return to the status quo prior to October 25, whereby both countries would cease deploying ships in the disputed waters.

“Maritime boundary claims can be made under international law, in accordance with established procedures, without needing to have ships facing off against one another.”

It added that the Singapore government, however, is “encouraged that Malaysia has undertaken all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground, and handle the situation in a calm and peaceful manner”.

The statement noted Putrajaya’s agreement for both sides to meet in the second week of next month, to exchange views on the issue.

“The Singapore government hopes to work with Malaysia to find an amicable resolution to issues between the two countries, in accordance with international law, and in the spirit of preserving our important bilateral relationship.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysian vessels will remain in the disputed waters until a solution is reached.

Singaporean Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday said his country’s security agencies will continue to patrol the area and respond to unauthorised activities.

“We will not hesitate to take action against intrusions and unauthorised activities in our waters, to protect our territory and sovereignty.”

The dispute began when Malaysia extended the boundary limits of one of its southern ports, which Singapore said encroached on its waters off Tuas.

Singapore has lodged diplomatic protests, saying the extension was done unilaterally, while Malaysia has maintained that the new lines are within its territorial waters and that Singapore, too, extended its port limits. – December 10, 2018.