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Asian Angle | Anwar Ibrahim’s visit signals Malaysia-Singapore ties remain on an even keel
- Three agreements were signed during Anwar Ibrahim’s trip to Singapore, with the PM saying there were more areas of cooperation yet to be explored
- Ties remain strong but occasional frictions such as Pedra Branca island and the cancellation of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore rail project remain
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Singapore leaders on January 30, signed bilateral agreements, and had an orchid named after him in his first state visit to the city state, where both sides affirmed their long-standing neighbourly relationship.
Three agreements were signed, on the digital economy, cybersecurity and green economy cooperation, while it was also announced that Singapore would import power for the first time, under a two-year trial. Malaysia’s trade ministry said it secured S$4 billion (around US$3 billion) in foreign direct investment at the end of its mission held in conjunction with Anwar’s visit.
These deals rested on work done under previous Malaysian administrations and demonstrate progress in bilateral relations even as Malaysia is on its fourth prime minister since Najib Razak’s defeat in 2018, with Anwar taking office in November.
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The Malaysian leader said he was committed to deepening the relationship with Singapore, highlighting that “we can do so much more for the benefit of our people”.
But even as both nations seek more areas to collaborate on, unresolved issues can threaten how agreements progress.
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