Transcript of Remarks by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in response to media queries on press reports of Dr Mahathir's comments that Singapore had agreed to a price review of water, 11 Oct 2002

Transcript of Remarks by PM Goh Chok Tong in response to media queries at the 70th Anniversary dinner of the Singapore Confederation of Industries at the Shangrila Hotel on 11 October 2002 on press reports of Dr Mahathir's comments that Singapore had agreed to a price review of water.

"Well, there must have been a misunderstanding on Dr Mahathir's part or he could be given the wrong information. When I met him, I told him I was agreeable to a price revision of raw water under current water agreements as part of a total package. That has always been
Singapore's approach, that remains my approach. In other words, I'm agreeable to a price revision, negotiation, but as part of the package.

However, since my return from Kuala Lumpur, I received a letter from Dr Mahathir on 10th October. The letter was dated 7th October. And in the letter,Dr Mahathir said that he would like to discontinue the package approach in these negotiations. So I'm studying the letter and in the process of drafting him a reply."

Press Secretary to Prime Minister