Instead, the foreign ministers of both countries said they would work together, especially in light of the global economic downturn.

Malaysian Foreign Minister, Dr Rais Yatim, said: "Let us symbolise the Causeway to be the umbilical cord for the two countries. Let us make a book out of it."

That’s a suggestion that wraps up the connections between Singapore and Malaysia!

On Saturday, delegates from Malaysia and Singapore took to the badminton courts in friendlies as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Wisma Putra Games in Johor, Malaysia.

Dr Rais said: "There are still some outstanding bilateral issues that remain unresolved but this will not impede our efforts to find a win-win and harmonious solution for both sides.

"Both George Yeo (Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister) and I will continue with efforts to strengthen relations in areas such as the economy, culture and diplomatic ties."

And ties will not be affected by the impending leadership change in Malaysia.

Mr Yeo said: "Relations are very good under Pak Lah (Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi), and I believe that relations will remain very good and forward looking under the next Prime Minister Najib.

"Of course, as foreign ministers, as diplomats, we have to defend our own national interest. But it makes a big difference that there is trust, especially at a time like this, when the global economy is turning down and our own economies are being affected.

"Cooperation within ASEAN becomes more important and cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, which is the single most important economic relationship in ASEAN, becomes especially important.

"And where we can work together and help each other, keep each other’s economy moving and thriving, we should try to do so, look for ways to do things together, when we expect more retrenchments from both sides.

"It’s extremely important that we find ways to work together."

Mr Yeo said one example is Singapore’s support for Iskandar Malaysia in Johor.

Both ministers said any outstanding issues from the Pedra Branca dispute will be resolved by the technical committee. — CNA/ir

                                                             Home