Some progress made on S’pore-Malaysia bilateral issues, but more time needed to resolve them: PM Wong

SINGAPORE - Progress has been made on the complex issues between Singapore and Malaysia, but both sides need more time to resolve them, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Jan 7.

Outstanding issues include airspace, water and the delimitation of maritime boundaries, he said at a joint press conference with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, at the conclusion of the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.

The two men, who are also the finance ministers of their respective governments, met on Jan 6 and 7 in Putrajaya, Malaysia, for the annual retreat. This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.

The pair witnessed the exchange of an agreement on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Both countries also pledged to collaborate in areas such as education, energy and shared heritage.

It is PM Wong’s first such retreat since

assuming the role of prime minister in May 2024.

On outstanding bilateral issues, PM Wong said both countries will continue to engage in good faith and as good neighbours, making sure these “do not ever” detract from the overall relationship.

“These are all important issues for both our countries. We will continue to discuss these issues holistically and constructively within the overall context of our broader relationship,” said PM Wong.

“I’m confident that working together, we can develop durable outcomes on all of these issues with a balance of benefit on both sides.”

Asked about the current status of these issues, PM Wong said that since his introductory visit in June 2024, officials have met to discuss them.

“While we would like the resolution to be expeditious, I think it’s also important that we give time for the officials to meet, talk to one another, understand each other’s positions,” he added.

Datuk Seri Anwar said the final settlement of these issues should be a “win-win sort of position”.

While these issues have been going on for the last few decades, “I don’t think we should wait for the next few decades to come”, he added.

Both leaders agree that there should be a short meeting every quarter to review these matters and compel the respective technical experts to deal with them expeditiously, said Mr Anwar.

PM Wong noted that he and Mr Anwar have met many times since June 2024, including at regional and multilateral forums.

“We’ve built up a very strong understanding, friendship, a relationship built on trust with one another, and that anchors our bilateral relationship as well. So this retreat is a useful opportunity to strengthen our friendship even further,” he said.

The two countries are investing in a shared future together, said PM Wong.

He cited agreements exchanged just before the press conference, covering aspects such as higher education.

“We both agree that bilateral cooperation must continue to deliver concrete benefits to both our people, and that’s the basis on which we work,” said PM Wong.

Asked if the

Singapore-Kuala Lumpur high-speed rail (HSR) project

will be revived, PM Wong said Singapore is open to listening to new proposals from Malaysia, starting from a clean slate.

But Mr Anwar said Malaysia’s position is to get the private sector involved in such mega projects, as the government has its limitations.

Its priorities in the coming years include poverty alleviation, flood mitigation, basic infrastructure, education and public health, he said.

“(The HSR project) will happen only if we have full participation of the private sector with very minimal government involvement,” said Mr Anwar.

PM Wong also expressed Singapore’s full support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025.

Acknowledging the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, PM Wong said both countries can be proud of what they have accomplished together as good friends and close neighbours.

“I am glad to find in PM Anwar a partner who is equally committed to ensuring that our ties continue to flourish and uplift both our peoples,” he said.

He added that global challenges and tensions are a powerful motivation “for all of us to come together and strengthen our bilateral and regional ties”.

Mr Anwar said the two leaders had also discussed the importance of working bilaterally and regionally to face the unpredictable global political environment.

In his opening remarks, Mr Anwar noted that Singapore is both a neighbour and a very important ally.

Malaysia looks forward to both countries enhancing investment and trade ties, particularly with the JS-SEZ, he said.

On his meetings with PM Wong, Mr Anwar said: “(Our) exchanges have been extremely cordial, friendly and helpful in many, many ways, in terms of our joint effort and commitment to enhance bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore.”

“I really wish that we can continue and do more together as two great, friendly nations,” he added, calling Singapore a “trusted friend”.

Speaking to local media on Jan 7, PM Wong said that the two sides will want to continue making progress on the bilateral issues discussed at the retreats.

“Hopefully with the nudging from the prime ministers, with the constant engagements we have and continued dialogue, we can see some progress by the next leaders’ retreat across all three bilateral issues,” he said.