Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Bilateral Relations with Malaysia, 13 September 2021

QUESTIONS

Mr Don Wee: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs what will be the expected impact of the change in Malaysia's political scene on Singapore and our relationship with Malaysia.

Miss Rachel Ong: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether the changes in the political leadership in Malaysia will impact agreements and discussions supporting Singapore-Malaysia cross-border movements such as the mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates and compassionate cross-border travel; and (b) if so, what will be these changes.

REPLY

                   It is Singapore’s consistent position to work with the government of the day. We have enjoyed good relations with successive Malaysian governments and leaders, and cooperated well with them across a wide range of areas. We cooperated closely with the previous government led by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and minimise disruptions to our companies, workers, and citizens. We also made progress on long-term bilateral projects such as the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Project.

2                 Our office holders are familiar with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his Cabinet, and our civil services maintain good relations and are in regular contact with each other. We remain in close communication with the Malaysian authorities on various issues of mutual concern, such as on cross-border travel and the reopening of borders. Cross-border travel arrangements such as the Periodic Commuting Arrangement and framework for Death and Critically Ill Emergency Visits remain in effect. The Singapore Government is also continuing discussions with the Malaysian government on the safe and gradual resumption of cross-border movement of people. This will require mutually agreed public health protocols, such as the mutual recognition of vaccine certificates, in order to preserve the public health and safety of residents on both sides.

3                 Singapore remains committed to maintaining a constructive and positive bilateral relationship with the current Malaysian government. This is especially important in order for both our countries to emerge stronger together from the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri and his government for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

13 SEPTEMBER 2021