MFA Spokesperson's Comments in Response to Media Queries on the Statement by Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah on 7 Dec 2018

In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesperson said:

“Singapore has received Malaysia’s diplomatic note of 7 December 2018 and will respond in due course.

Singapore remains ready to discuss this issue with Malaysia in a constructive manner in the spirit of preserving our important bilateral relationship. However, Singapore does not agree with Malaysia’s proposal for both countries to cease and desist from sending assets into the disputed area. As Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan told Malaysian Minister Saifuddin Abdullah on 5 December 2018, Malaysian Government vessels have repeatedly intruded into Singapore Territorial Waters following the purported extension of the port limits of Johor Bahru Port on 25 October 2018. Malaysian Government vessels should forthwith cease these provocative violations of Singapore sovereignty and return to the status quo ante before 25 October 2018, without prejudice to our respective positions on maritime boundary claims in the area.

Attempts to create facts on the ground add nothing to Malaysia’s legal case and are unhelpful for an amicable resolution of our maritime boundary issues.” 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

7 DECEMBER 2018