Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that amidst the time of opportunity between Malaysia and Singapore now, it was hoped that Singaporeans would not judge Malaysia by what they read on social media, or by politically motivated statements from certain quarters running down the country.
In a posting on his blog Najibrazak.com titled “Moving Forward In A Spirit Of Mutual Benefit”, the prime minister said both countries were enjoying the results of closer relations as seen in projects such as the High Speed Rail that will benefit the peoples of both countries.
“I am pleased with the results of our closer relations, and look forward to achieving more. The construction of the High Speed Rail linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore will certainly transform the way Malaysians and Singaporeans interact with each other, facilitating travel between both capital cities, enhancing business linkages and improving people-to-people ties.
“At this time of opportunity between our nations, I urge Singaporeans not to judge Malaysia by what you may read on social media, or by politically motivated statements from certain quarters running down our country,” said Najib in a posting written in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th national day yesterday and 50th year of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Singapore.
Najib said the changed approach between the two countries has been emphasised soon after he became Prime Minister in 2009, and it had led to breakthroughs in ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“The win-win solution of the Points of Agreement in 2010 – after a 20 year deadlock – was an example of how we chose to move forward in a spirit of mutual benefit, and put a longstanding stumbling block behind us.”
Najib said that he and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong had agreed that both countries should not be encumbered by any issues associated with the past.
“The days when some considered agreement to be a form of weakness are gone. Our future is as partners. Indeed, recently there have even been suggestions that our two countries should formulate an Olympic bid together.”
While admitting there had been differences before this, Najib said both countries managed to achieve the most when they worked pragmatically together.
“In 1967, we were among the five founders of Asean, an organisation that has kept peace in the most ethnically and religiously diverse region on earth.
“We came together in the Five Power Defence Arrangement in 1971; we cooperated closely at the United Nations in the 1980s to ensure a settled future in Indochina; and today we are linked in so many ways,” he said.
Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com
