Cut by A/P Muhammad Faishal during Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Committee of Supply Debate 2020
Bilateral Relations with Malaysia
Several bilateral issues with Malaysia took a turn in end 2018, such as on the maritime and airspace fronts. While a number of these issues appear to have made progress, other issues still require discussions from both sides. This includes key connectivity projects, such as the Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System Link and the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur High Speed Rail. These are projects that will benefit both our peoples, and that I hope will proceed on track expeditiously. It is also notable that our Health Ministries have quickly set up a Joint Working Group to collaborate on tackling the COVID-19 situation across our borders.
The political situation in Malaysia has evolved rapidly in recent days. Yesterday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as the 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia. As Malaysia’s closest neighbour, we have a long-term vested interest in Malaysia’s stability and prosperity, as any development there will inevitably impact Singapore in many ways.
I would like to seek an update on the developments in Malaysia, the progress of key bilateral issues, and how Singapore can step up our relations with Malaysia in the longer term.
Watch the speech here
Watch the response here