SINGAPORE: Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has
said that both Singapore and Malaysia have no interest in
undermining the good relations between both
sides.
Responding to recent allegations that Singapore
diplomats had actively participated in Malaysia's Bersih 3.0 Rally
in April, he said that some quarters in Malaysia are clearly
uncomfortable by the current good state of relations between the
two countries.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Mr Shanmugam
reiterated that the allegations are false.
He said the Singapore officers were at the Bersih rally as
impartial observers, just like diplomats from more than 10 other
countries.
He added it's regrettable that some elements in the Malaysian media
and blogs have chosen to focus only on Singapore and have
deliberately tried to misrepresent the issue.
Some articles were inflammatory with a racial slant.
Mr Shanmugam said the Malaysian government does not seem to share
the same views.
"These articles suggest that the Malay community here can be
persuaded to vote in a certain way. It's laughable because we have
every confidence in our fellow citizens," said Mr Shanmugam.
"I believe (it) does not reflect the (Malaysian) government's
views, shows a dangerous inclination to inject a racial angle into
bilateral relationships, and shows a continuing belief in some
quarters that our Malay population can be targeted from outside.
That is a deliberate provocation but we will not be baited by these
negative elements," he added.
Mr Shanmugam said he spoke with his Malaysian counterpart Anifah
Aman, over two separate phone calls.
He added Singapore and Malaysia have every intention of preserving
the positive bilateral relationship that both sides have worked
hard to build.
"We should also not allow any negative elements uncomfortable with
the current excellent state of bilateral ties to spoil our
relations," he said.
Mr Shanmugam added that bilateral ties have always been bigger than
any specific disagreements or points of contention, and this is how
both sides should move forward together.
- CNA/cc