MFA Spokesman's Comments

MFA SPOKESMAN'S COMMENTS

Responding to media queries on Malaysian FM Syed Hamid's statement that the next meeting would discuss only the price review of current water and that Malaysia will not discuss any agreement for future water after 2061 unless Singapore accepts Malaysia's right to a price review, the MFA Spokesman said:

"If this is Malaysia's position, then little will be achieved at the next meeting. We do not want a repetition of what happened in Johor Baru when the senior officials met in October. As Singapore has made clear on many occasions, Malaysia has lost its legal right to the price review. For progress to be achieved, discussions cannot only be based on the interests of one side. Therefore, Malaysia must be prepared to have a serious discussion of Singapore's future water supply after the expiry of the 1962 Agreement in 2061. Singapore then would also be prepared to discuss the current price of water as a trade-off. Our High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur has been instructed to convey this position to Wisma Putra and to seek clarification on Malaysia's position."
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 NOVEMBER 2002