Malaysia’s Leadership Transition Unlikely to Change Ties with Singapore

The Straits Times

13 May 2018

Malaysia may be in uncharted waters with a new coalition in power for the first time, but regional watchers predict that the country’s relationship with Singapore will stay the same at its core, given the deepening of common interests over the years. RSIS senior analyst David Han said there are understandable fears that sour bilateral ties could return, given past contentions, but one must remember that this Pakatan Harapan government led by Mahathir is not the same as the Barisan Nasional regime he led years ago. Veteran diplomat and RSIS Executive Deputy Chairman Ong Keng Yong said, “Yes, there were difficult periods in bilateral relations, but I would not assume that things will go back to before. Not all the personalities are the same and some of the issues have been resolved since.” RSIS Malaysia programme research analyst Chan Xin Ying pointed out that Singapore is Malaysia’s main export partner, and its main import partner after China.

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Last updated on 16/05/2018