The attendance by the top echelon of the two countries' leaderships was an obvious fillip to mutual efforts to kickstart the relationship which had stalled for some time over a slew of contentious issues. Abdullah's reciprocal presence on the greens in Sentosa Island on Sunday was a timely, and necessary, response that indicated Malaysia's willingness to put the worst of the past to rest and embark on a new road of co-operation with its neighbour in the south. Despite the obvious advances in bilateral relations over a surprisingly short period, too much should not be expected at this stage of diplomatic cordiality. The friendly gestures of the day should be seen for what they are — the establishment of a protocol to enable discussions on more serious matters.

What is amply clear, though, is that Abdullah and Goh have sensed, and acted upon, the need to restore the mutual trust and confidence of the past. This recognition of common interests is the foundation on which Malaysian and Singaporean leaders should build their platform of friendship. The new-found sincerity in personal relations on both sides of the border should provide the right impetus for advancement of the bilateral agenda. Abdullah and Goh have sent out the right signals, and set the ground rules in calling on members of their respective Cabinets to get on with the job of getting to know each other better. This is the basic responsibility of those charged with the more arduous task of improving Government-to-Government relations.

Both sides should concur on the need for bilateral ties to be handled with kid gloves at this juncture, with care and respect for mutual concerns. Malaysia and Singapore should create a natural momentum out of the goodwill generated by recent events. Malaysians and Singaporeans should ensure that we never forget our past or lose sight of our shared future.

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