Johor waits for federal government's stand on Singapore spying claims

The Johor government will only decide and act on Singapore's alleged spying activities against Malaysia after the federal government states its stand on the issue.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said for the time being, cancelling all investments made between the Johor government and Singapore was not the best way to resolve the issue, but would only affect Malaysia-Singapore bilateral relations that had been established for so long.

"The relations are at various levels - government to government, state government to Singapore government, people to people and government to people.

"As for investments, these also come from Singaporeans and not only from the Singapore government. So, let's not punish all because of one issue," he said after attending a mass circumcision ceremony in Kampung Plentong Utama, here, Sunday.

Khaled was asked to comment on the calls and suggestions by some non-governmental organisations for the state government to review and cancel all investments made by Singapore following the disclosure on Singapore's spying activities against Malaysia.

A news portal recently reported on secret documents leaked by American intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden that Singapore was helping to spy on Malaysia.

Khaled said he appreciated the views of the NGOs which showed their awareness and sensitivity to issues involving the country's sovereignty.

"In my view, their (NGOs) suggestion is apt but we should bear in mind that the investments come from the private sector (in Singapore).

"We should not decide to disrupt things if the investing individuals or companies have nothing to do with the Singapore government's activities," he said.

On Friday, two NGOs, Pertubuhan Penyatuan Pembelaan Melayu Malaysia (PPPMM) and Majlis Penyelaras Gabungan NGO Melayu Negeri (Gabung) lodged police reports on the Singapore government's spying activities against Malaysia.

They urged the government to take stern action to resolve the issue