Singapore fully support Malaysia for ASEAN 2015 chairmanship

Singapore has expressed its full support for Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean next year.

In a joint statement by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat here today, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of Asean staying united in order for it to maintain a central role in the regional architecture, contribute to regional stability and promote closer economic integration.

They were encouraged by Asean's progress in its Community-building goals and noted that Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2015 would culminate with the historic establishment of an Asean Community.

The leaders noted with satisfaction the steady progress of the joint iconic projects by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited in Singapore (through M+S Pte Ltd) and Iskandar Malaysia (through Pulau Indah Ventures Sdn Bhd).

The Marina One and DUO projects in Singapore are on track for completion in 2017 while the Afiniti Medini project in Iskandar is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The leaders further noted that the market response to these projects had been very encouraging.

Meanwhile, both leaders welcomed the close and continuous inter-agency cooperation on environmental issues with transboundary implications and navigational issues through platforms such as the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore-Johor Port Authority Operational Meeting.

The leaders emphasised the importance of adopting best practices for addressing such areas of concern, including the implementation of mitigation measures, where appropriate.

The prime ministers acknowledged that the transboundary haze pollution is a recurring problem for the region.

Both leaders agreed that Malaysia and Singapore share common interests on this issue and reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to cooperate as close partners and as fellow Asean members to take decisive actions to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, the prime ministers also reaffirmed the importance of deepening the cultural bond between the two peoples.

They expressed support for collaborative initiatives between Singapore's Malay Heritage Centre and Malaysian agencies and universities such as the National Library of Malaysia, Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation, Muzium Negara and Universiti Sains Malaysia.

These may include exhibitions of manuscripts of Malay indigenous sciences and technology, research collaboration on Malay schools, printing and publishing industries, and Haj brokerage, and the showcasing of traditional Malaysian dance and theatre at Singapore's Malay Culture Festival in September this year.

Meanwhile, both leaders noted the progress of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee on the Implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Judgment on Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge (MSJTC) which has held seven meetings so far.

Recalling their agreement at the Leader's Retreat in February last year that the next step was for the MSJTC to move into delimitation of maritime boundaries, the leaders welcomed the decision of the MSJTC to set up a new sub-committee for the purpose, describing it as a positive step forward.

Both prime ministers also welcomed the excellent relations and regular interactions between the civil services of both countries and looked forward to the 6th Joint Seminar and 37th Public Service Games for Public Sector Leaders which will be hosted by Singapore this year.