Does S'pore appreciate Malaysia's
neighbourliness?
By Kamal Ahmad Berita Harian (Malaysia)
Related:Leaders
try their hand at bridge-building
WATER as the basis of life for humans is certainly
priceless. Without water, life comes to a standstill. However, in what
way does Singapore appreciate the commitment and return the neighbourliness
shown by Malaysia, which will continue to supply this commodity to the
Republic up to an unknown time? Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's visit to
Kuala Lumpur, followed by a meeting with Dr Mahathir at the Prime Minister's
Department on Feb 16 and 17, should be marked down as another pleasant
episode in Malaysia-Singapore relations.
Without much ado, Malaysia was ready to continue to supply water to the Lion City, when its two water agreements expire in 2011 and 2061.
However, we do not know ''the actual and sincere reaction'' from Singapore when Dr Mahathir stressed that Malaysia could not determine the latest conditions until 2061 draws closer.
Neither do we know the reaction of the local and foreign media to Malaysia's stern refusal to issue conditions earlier.
Are there sides inside and outside Singapore that will display an ungrateful attitude?
''Yes, we have already agreed to foster closer ties. Let us forget past matters. We will continue supplying water to Singapore,'' Dr Mahathir said, after visiting Astro, the state satellite TV station in Serdang, with Mr Goh.
In fact, Singapore has itself sparked many incidents in the past which have hurt the Malaysian people and its leaders.
Apart from air and sea intrusion in Johor, it has claimed Pulau Batu Putih (Pedra Branca).
Then, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew accused Malaysia of not adopting meritocracy; this followed charges that Johor was known for shootings, assaults and car-jackings.
Based on a policy of tolerance, prosper thy neighbour, solidarity and regional unity, Malaysia is willing to open a new chapter in the history of relations between the two countries.
Malaysians want to believe Mr Goh's promise to hold firmly the words ''forget past matters'', and to foster closer ties, which both leaders declared as ''back to normal''.
To what extent the Singapore people and leaders, including Mr Lee, will not repeat the provocation and place relations between the two countries at a critical level remains to be seen.
In fact, as a result of the tension, several routine meetings could not be held, and problems which should have been discussed and overcome were impeded.
The Pulau Batu Putih issue has already been brought before the International Court of Justice.
The new water agreement, the position of the land owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu in Singapore, cooperation in tourism, finance and trade, could not be settled earlier.
''This meeting is very important in the context of Malaysia-Singapore bilateral ties. With this meeting, ties between both countries have been restored fully,'' said Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was also present at the Mahathir-Goh meeting at thePrime Minister's Department.
Just like food, commodities and weapons, water is another strategic element.
As always, Malaysia has never once used it to win an issue with Singapore. Malaysia is aware that water is not something that can be used to threaten Singapore or to teach it a lesson for speaking too hastily.
Now, the over 90-minute meeting between Dr Mahathir and Mr Goh has succeeded in opening a new chapter in the unique relations between Malaysia and Singapore.
Starting from that point, both countries should look towards a ''friendlier and more successful'' approach, also known as the ''prosper thy neighbour'' concept, which has always been the core of Kuala Lumpur's diplomacy.
Being politically and economically stable, both countries have identical roles. Tense ties invite disaster and give certain big powers reason to have a foothold in the region.
Malaysia and Singapore have been entrusted with finding a way of overcoming the regional economic and financial turmoil.
Following the critical situation in Indonesia - capable of affecting its neighbours - all Asean members must unite in drawing up a formula and strategy as to how they can free themselves from the current danger's clutches.
The meeting at the Prime Minister's Department produced a joint statement between the two governments.
The four-page statement touched on six matters - economic and financial cooperation, water supply to Singapore, KTM land in Singapore, the Pedra Branca issue, cooperation in tourism and the setting up of a Malaysia-Singapore Trade Council.
Apart from issues relating to diplomatic ties, efforts to bolster private sector cooperation, especially plans to set up a joint trade council, must be speeded up.
It is interesting to note the proposal for cooperation in infrastructure development and other economic sectors, enabling entrepreneurs from both countries to enjoy long-term prosperity.
If Singapore is aware that the discussion table is the best place to resolve problems, it should work towards less complicated communications at the level of officials from different ministries.
Intervention from the top is only needed if an issue is too large and if the complexities cannot be sorted out at the level of officials.
Most importantly, Singapore should appreciate the meaning of ''prosper thy neighbour'' and know how to return a friend's favour and kindness.