He said this could make things even more difficult and prove to be damaging to both sides.
Over the years, Lee said, Singapore and Malaysia had to deal with difficult and sensitive issues, such as water supply, airspace management, and maritime delimitation, which he expects will take some time to resolve.
“But, all in all, both sides have made significant progress in our relationship over the decades.
We should appreciate how hard-won and precious this progress has been – both the specific things we have achieved, and the overall good state of our relationship. These are not to be taken for granted.
He was speaking at the Kuala Lumpur Business Club on Sunday as part of his visit to Malaysia. The transcript was made available on the Prime Minister’s Office’s website.
Lee said Singapore and Malaysia shared a close but inherently complex relationship.
Therefore, leaders and the two governments have to take a strategic perspective and manage issues closely and sensitively, from the point of view of the overall relationship.
He said the three longstanding issues need hard work and serious discussion to identify workable and durable approaches, manage the continuing issues, and accommodate each other’s vital interests.
This is a difficult task, but even with such difficult tasks, it is possible to find constructive ways to make progress together, as we did with Pedra Branca and the KTM land (in Singapore). Even as we did with water when we made an agreement to build the Linggiu Dam, which has benefitted both countries now for nearly 30 years.
Lee said there was a need to take into account domestic political sentiments that often make these issues even more complex and delicate.
He said despite the sensitive and complex nature of the relationship, both sides know they have to work together because there is no alternative for both parties.
Expressing his satisfaction with Malaysia-Singapore ties, the senior minister said he was glad that at the highest levels on both sides, Malaysia and Singapore have generally been able to keep the big picture in mind, and have made good progress, even if they have not always agreed on every issue.
The former prime minister said he enjoyed a good rapport with many Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and is glad that at this moment of transition in Singapore, bilateral ties are stable and positive.
He is confident that prime minister Lawrence Wong would work with Anwar to take the partnership forward, and he would do all he can in his new role as senior minister to further strengthen ties and help forge new ones between the two countries.
He said Singapore wants to build on the bilateral relationship and keep political relations stable and friendly to foster a conducive business environment.
“The more stable the political atmosphere is, the easier it is for business people to operate without having to worry about the ‘weather’.
he said. - FMTThe more our two countries can keep things positive and stable, and the fewer political ups and downs there are, the more both our people will benefit,
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