Transcript of Remarks by Professor S Jayakumar, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Media, 30 June 2002

TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY PROFESSOR S JAYAKUMAR, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TO THE MEDIA ON SUNDAY, 30 JUNE 2002 AT 3.45PM, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR.

Minister Jayakumar: Let me say that I am here for the talks tomorrow. We look forward to the discussions with Foreign Minister Syed Hamid and his delegation.

Malaysia presented its proposals, its latest proposals, in March and Singapore sent them our counter-proposals with Prime Minister's letter to Dr Mahathir on 11 April, so both proposals are on the table. We will discuss them and see how much progress we can make.

On supply of water after the current agreements expire, I think both sides have said that the price should be competitive. Malaysia has its formula for pricing of water. We have given our proposal for the price formula when we sent our proposal on 11 April. So both proposals will be discussed and each side will listen to the other's presentation and exchange views on this.

I think both sides realize that the issues are complex and it will not be easy to wrap everything up in one session, but given the goodwill and the earnestness which exists on both sides to make progress, I think that we should be able to make some movement. But let us see.

I met Foreign Minister Syed Hamid only two weeks ago, when we were at a meeting in Thailand. He told me that he too, would like to see some progress at these talks. So, I think both sides are coming to this meeting with an open mind, and as I said, if there is goodwill and a spirit of understanding and trying to accommodate each other's interests, then we may be able to make some progress in having a deal that satisfies both sides and possibly paving the way for an enduring relationship between the two countries.

Thank you.

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