Singapore Wants Continuity, Stability In Malaysia, Says Lee Hsien Loong

SINGAPORE, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Singapore wants continuity and stability in Malaysia, said its Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's view on long term projects to be implemented by the neighbouring countries including the High Speed Rail Link which required continuity and stability on the part of Malaysia, Lee said: "We want continuity and stability too."

Najib had said this in response to a question during a press conference after the four-eyed and bilateral meetings between them in conjunction with the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat here today.

He was asked as the general election was coming up in Malaysia, how it would impact the projects (undertaken by Malaysia and Singapore.)

When asked to described the bilateral ties going forward whether it would be like the "high speed train", Lee replied:"This is not a sprint."

"It is a marathon, we want a steady pace and long period of time with government and population of both countries. Not just state governments.

"(We have) many projects in Johor but we hope that through exchanges we can strengthen (the ties).

Relating it (bilateral ties) to the Chinese zodiac - the Water Snake, Najib meanwhile said:" The Chinese believe in steady progress.

"We do not want spectacular (progress) or regression. Steady progress is how we resolved the Points of Agreement (POA) and moving in the right trajectory. We are moving in the right way," he added.

Commending the local media, Najib said it was a warm welcome by the Singaporeans when the Straits Times of Singapore published a front page article which encapsulated the mood as exemplified by the "Yee Sang" dish which is most often enjoyed during the Chinese New Year.

"Confidence that we enjoy between our two countries. The settlement of the POA, two years and nine months ago marked a turning point in our bilateral ties.

"The momentous decision to resolve long standing issues has opened the door for us to implement two important iconic projects which we see today - two in Singapore and one in Medini, Iskandar Malaysia reflect the growing ties between our both countries.

It is getting deeper and stronger and moving in the right direction," Najib added.


(Source: Bernama)