How well do Singaporeans and Malaysians really know each other?
Economic integration needs stronger people-to-people ties across the Causeway.
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Governments can sign agreements and businesses can forge partnerships, but the strength of any bilateral relationship ultimately rests on the trust and goodwill between their peoples.
ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
In a Facebook post following his recent visit to Malaysia, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam commented: “As forever neighbours, we must never stop building friendship and respect for each other. Let our hearts shake hands.”
His words reflect a deeper truth that deserves greater attention: Governments can sign agreements and businesses can forge partnerships, but the strength of any bilateral relationship ultimately rests on the trust and goodwill between their peoples.