Vivian Balakrishnan explores prospects for collaboration on tour of Malaysian states

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan meeting Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in the Malaysian state yesterday.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan meeting Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in the Malaysian state yesterday. PHOTO: MFA
After arriving in Negeri Sembilan, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan had lunch with Negeri Sembilan's State Executive Councillor for Youth and Sports YB Tuan Haji Mohamad Taufek Bin Abd Ghani and State Executive Councillor for Rural Development YB Tuan Haji Ismail Bin Haji Ahmad. PHOTO: MFA

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan discussed opportunities for Singaporean businesses in Malaysia's east coast state of Pahang yesterday as he met members of its state government.

With Singapore companies such as developer CapitaLand and footwear retailer Charles and Keith having a presence in the state, and with Malaysia building the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Dr Balakrishnan said the talks focused on utilising the rail network to collaborate on investments.

"Areas for discussion were on how to utilise the ECRL... Increasing the connectivity and attracting investments is another area of interest to us," said Dr Balakrishnan of his meeting with Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

When completed, the ECRL will connect the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.

Pahang state is administered by federal opposition coalition Barisan Nasional, which is led by Umno. Malaysia's federal government is controlled by the Pakatan Harapan coalition (PH).

Dr Balakrishnan met both members of the Pahang state government executive council as well as PH lawmakers in the state.

On Tuesday, the minister met members of Negeri Sembilan's state government, after paying a courtesy call to the state monarch, Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan with Negeri Sembilan's Yang Dipertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at the Istana Besar Seri Menanti. PHOTO: MFA

Dr Balakrishnan discussed the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 development project in his meeting with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun.

"I wanted to take the chance to discuss the outlook, the prospects, the opportunities for Singapore businesses," Dr Balakrishnan said of his talk with Mr Aminuddin.

Dr Balakrishnan also met opposition lawmakers in the state, namely Umno MP Khairy Jamaluddin and Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

"We discussed some political issues in a candid and open way," he said, adding: "It's just for me to get a better appreciation of the very fluid political situation in Malaysia right now."

Dr Balakrishnan's tour of Malaysian states, part of Singapore's efforts to engage more deeply with its northern neighbour, will conclude today in the eastern state of Terengganu.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 03, 2019, with the headline Vivian Balakrishnan explores prospects for collaboration on tour of Malaysian states. Subscribe