WHAT IT IS

SINGAPORE and Malaysia go to court again on Friday, this time to receive the world court's judgment on their sovereignty dispute over Pedra Branca.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will deliver its verdict at The Hague, in the Netherlands, at 4pm Singapore time.

Deputy Prime Minister S Jayakumar, Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong and Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh will lead a delegation to the Dutch city to receive the judgment.

WHY IT MATTERS

It will bring to a close the 28-year bilateral dispute over Pedra Branca, which Malaysia calls Pulau Batu Puteh, a small island some 40km east of Singapore and home to Horsburgh Lighthouse.

The leaders of both sides have repeatedly said they will abide by the court's findings and have emphasised that, whichever way it goes, it will not affect bilateral relations.

Both countries have also set up a Joint Technical Committee of senior officials to ensure a smooth enforcement of the judgment.

LYDIA LIM