MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER'S INTENDED RESIGNATION (Impact on Malaysia-Singapore relations)

Mdm Ho Geok Choo asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs as the Malaysian Prime Minister is going to step down before the end of next year, does his Ministry envisage any significant change in the direction of Malaysia-Singapore relations over the next few months and what will be the shape of Malaysia-Singapore relations over the long term after he has stepped down as Prime Minister.

Mr Gan Kim Yong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an assessment of the impact on bilateral relations with Malaysia resulting from Dr Mahathir's intended resignation and the change of political leadership.

The Second Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Lee Yock Suan) (for the Minister for Foreign Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your consent, could I respond to Question Nos. 5 and 6 together, on behalf of the Minister?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Sir, the Members have asked about the immediate and long-term impact of Dr Mahathir's resignation on Singapore-Malaysia relations.

In comments to the media on 1st July 2002, DPM Dr Tony Tan and DPM Lee Hsien Loong had both emphasised that Dr Mahathir's decision to step down in 2003 would not affect our bilateral relations with Malaysia. I fully agree. The three previous leadership changes in Malaysia had been smooth and orderly. There is no reason to expect that this transition will be any different. Dr Mahathir remains Prime Minister until after the OIC Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October 2003. He has confirmed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as his successor. DPM Badawi is well known to us. We see no reason for any significant change in bilateral relations either immediately or in the long-term. The fundamentals of Singapore-Malaysia relations are not dependent on personalities. As close neighbours, we will work with whoever is in charge.