SINGAPORE hopes to resolve simmering disputes with Malaysia in an amicable way, but stressed that it will not be intimidated, the Straits Times reports the city state’s foreign minister as saying today.

Addressing Parliament on the state of relations with Malaysia, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore hoped to resolve bilateral issues with Malaysia in a calm, reasonable and focused manner, but did not expect a quick or smooth resolution to these issues.

Balakrishnan’s speech comes as Singapore and Malaysia postponed a joint ministerial committee meeting on the Iskandar growth region after Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian visited a Malaysian vessel in waters claimed by the island nation.

Iskandar is an initiative launched during the government of Abdullah Badawi, which envisages a series of areas in Johor that is open to foreign investors to develop. Singapore has been a major investor in Iskandar.

Malaysia’s border disputes with Singapore came to the surface late last year when Putrajaya protested against the implementation of the Instrument Landing System for Seletar Airport, which is just 3km across the Straits of Johor from Pasir Gudang in the southeastern corner of Johor.

Malaysia also claims waters off Singapore’s main cargo terminal in Tuas, which is near the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in southwest Johor.

Balakrishnan today said both of these actions had upset the status quo.

“Both of these sets of sudden actions upset the status quo that has been in place for many years.

“These actions did not bode well for our bilateral relationship. They created the risk of a dangerous downward spiral of measures and counter-measures.”

Balakrishnan said discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, Saifuddin Abdullah, and Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali before and after Osman’s action have been “amicable and constructive, focused on trying to resolve the issues”.

Azmin is now in Singapore, despite the cancellation of the joint ministerial meeting on Iskandar, to meet Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong on other bilateral projects. Azmin also met Balakrishnan yesterday.

Balakrishnan said Singapore still hopes to work with Malaysia for better relations, and closer cooperation that benefits both sides.

“But both sides must act in good faith, in compliance with international law and norms, and honour existing agreements.”

He ended his speech by saying that “the strength of Singapore’s diplomacy depends on domestic unity and resilience, and the fact that we cannot be intimidated or bought”. – January 14, 2019.