Speaking at Singapore’s National Day reception at a hotel here last night, Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said the fates of both countries were intertwined, and that any crisis that befell Singapore would inevitably affect Malaysia.
As Singapore celebrates its 52nd National Day, which also marks the 52nd anniversary of Singapore-Malaysia relations, Menon expressed hope that bilateral relations would remain strong and broad-based.
Among key achievements in the bilateral relations over the past year, he said, was the improvement in cross-border connectivity between the countries through two projects, namely the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
“HSR, scheduled to be completed by Dec 31, 2026, will facilitate swift and seamless travel between our two capitals and transform, for the better, the way we interact, socialise and do business,” he said.
He added that the signing of the RTS Link Bilateral Agreement was expected to take place by year-end. He said the project could commence passenger service by Dec 31, 2024, which would benefit thousands of commuters on a daily basis.
At the reception, which was attended by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Menon conveyed Singapore’s greetings for Malaysia’s 60th Merdeka Day celebration later this month.
He also welcomed and extended best wishes to Team Singapore athletes who are competing in the Kuala Lumpur 2017 (29th SEA Games and 9th Asean Para Games) which he highlighted as an important platform that brings the Asean countries together in a shared spirit of sportsmanship, cooperation and mutual understanding.
The high commissioner also highlighted the security cooperation between the two countries, as Singapore and Malaysia face a common threat of terrorism and violent extremism.
“Our security agencies have been working closely to keep us safe and secure. That said, we cannot afford to let our guard down (but) we should remain vigilant and continue to strengthen cooperation on this front,” he said.
The two countries are also committed to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest through regular exchanges of visits, training courses and military exercises between the Malaysian Armed Forces and Singapore Armed Forces.
Menon said the Singapore-Malaysia relationship stemmed from deep historical, familial and cultural links as the countries “share a border, speak similar languages and practise similar culture and have family and friends cross-border”.