Malaysia Agree To Give Up Railway Land in Singapore

SINGAPORE, May 24 - Singapore and Malaysia said on Monday they have resolved long-standing disputes over land and water that have plagued ties between the two neighbours for the past 20 years.

Malaysia will relocate its railway station near Singapore's central business district to an area close to one of the two bridges linking the two countries, freeing up land in the city-state for redevelopment.

Malaysia has sovereignty over the site on which the Tanjong Pagar station is located, as well as land on both sides of the railway tracks that run through Singapore, under agreements dating back to British colonial rule.

Singapore said in turn it would not seek to extend a water agreement dating back to 1961, which allowed the city-state to buy water from the southern Malaysian state of Johor at below-market rates.

Singapore will also hand over the waterworks it operates in Johor to the Malaysian state government when the current agreement lapses.

The agreement between the two countries emerged after a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"It's a big breakthrough. It paves the way for closer ties now that long-standing sore points have finally been resolved," said Citigroup economist Kit Wei Zheng.

The two countries said the Malayan Railway land will be developed by a joint venture between Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah, which will hold 60 percent, and Singapore state investor Temasek , which will own the balance 40 percent.

Other agreements reached by the two countries include the building of a rapid transit link between Singapore and southern Malaysia, and the joint development of an "iconic project" in Malaysia's Iskandar region by the two countries.

Malaysia has been promoting the Iskandar region, a showcase economic zone just north of Singapore, that it hopes can become a hinterland for its wealthy neighbour just as China's booming Shenzhen complements neighbouring Hong Kong. The zone has, however, attracted relatively few investments from Singapore.

"The points of agreement would facilitate resolution of the issue which has been outstanding for more than 19 years," the two countries said in a joint statement.

Building bridges to improve relationship between Malaysia and Singapore

From: baldeagle
Date: Fri, 22 May 2009 18:03:14 -0700 (PDT)
Local: Sat, May 23 2009 9:03 am
Subject: Building bridges....to improve relationship between Malaysia and Singapore

Najib, the new PM of Malaysia has completed a two-day official visit
to Singapore.

He is a different PM from all his predecessors. He came...NOT to seek
quarrel, not to open up old wounds, not to see what Singapore has
achieved (for copying later) ,....... but to improve the co-operations
in economic activities, in security matters ....and to build bridges
to improve the relationships between Malaysian and Singapore.

Among his proposals, is to build a bridge, not only metaphorically,
but building a real bridge connecting the eastern part of Johor with
the east of Singapore.

An East bridge is an excellent idea. It is a timely move to ease the
congestion at the causeway (provided the charges for its use is
reasonably low.) With increasing flow of people and cargo traffic,
the congestions will get even worse.
For Singaporeans living in the east, those living in densely populated
areas (including Sengkang, Ponggol, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Bedok and
Marine Parade), it would shorten their journeys to tourist resorts
located in Eastern peninsula Malaysia.

For Singaporean and foreigner investors who have factories in Malaysia
(to take advantage of the cheaper labour, land and operating costs),
it is a direct link to Changi Airport. It will improve their
operational efficiency as their goods trucks could avoid the long long
queues at the causeway and it will significantly cut the delivery time
of goods to the Cargo complex in Changi airport. (Not only for
electronic parts, but new perishable products like cut flower and
fresh sea food could be exported by air).

Najib is proving to be a practical man...one who can get things done.

------------------------------------

When the malaysian govt is 'weak' back home.........they are very
receptive toward neighbours.........but, once the malaysian govt is
'strong' ( ie. Mahathir time ) they tell neighbouring to 'fuck-
off'......or 'no deal'
--------------------------------------
The Malaysian government was NEVER strong...or WEAK.

They were all corrupt...but many used Singapore as a
whipping boy....to hide their corruption acts.
Najib...is refreshing and is different. Corruption aside,
he made some attractive proposals...good for Singaporeans
and Malaysian...during his first trip to Singapore.

For this, he deserved to be complimented.

--------------------------------------------
Without Singapore participation, IDR will not be successful. Plain simple.

Malaysian News about Singapore First Public Gay Rally

According to Malaysian news, the "Island of Kiasu" or Singapore held its first public gay rally undisturbed. Some 2,500 supporters of gay rights dressed in pink-attires and gathered in a park in Singapore on Saturday, to form a pink dot.

The organisers of the event, pinkdot.sg, say the event was held to commemorate love in all forms and between people of every orientation. Currently Singaporeans can hold any gathering that does not touch on topics of race or religion.

According Malaysian news, Jack Soh of pinkdot.sg, there was no overt political message being sent to the government. It was not a protest or a political rally. The event was for Singaporeans in general - to affirm our respect for diversity and the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation. It is an inclusive event that would reach all Singaporeans, straight and gay.

Many picnicked, danced and clapped to cultural performances from Singapore's various ethnic groups.

For many Singaporean gays getting together with in the rally is empowering and liberating. Stage actor Ivan Heng, the rally is really a landmark event for Singaporeans. [source:bbc]

So, what about Malaysian gays? If ever there is a public gay rally here, probably we should call the event as "One Malaysia Gay"! What say you?