SINGAPORE – Singapore and Malaysia will disagree occasionally on specific issues, but should not let these differences hinder their broader partnership, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam ahead of a four-day state visit to Malaysia.
Both countries have taken the approach of addressing differences squarely rather than ignoring them, while always seeking to strengthen the overall relationship, which has built trust and goodwill over time, he said in a written interview with Malaysian news agency Bernama published on July 12.
The President said his visit, at the invitation of Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, continues a longstanding tradition and underscores the importance of maintaining these ties and building understanding at all levels.
“Our partnership has been driven not just by a common heritage, but by mutual respect and understanding of each other’s interests,” he said.
“It has never been, and must never be, a purely transactional relationship.”
Sultan Ibrahim made a state visit to Singapore in May 2024, his first overseas state visit since he ascended to the throne in January that year.
President Tharman said it is no secret that the two neighbouring countries have had to sort out a number of sensitive and complex bilateral issues over the years.
This is to be expected between close neighbours with a shared past, he added.
“Yet, successive governments on both sides have consistently chosen not to be bogged down by these issues,” he said.
“Instead, we have sought to resolve them calmly, based on mutual respect and adherence to international law.”
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