Malaysia-Singapore bilateral ties at best level ever in history: Najib

SINGAPORE: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak described bilateral ties between Malaysia and Singapore as at the best level in history where both sides could leverage in creating better opportunities to go forward.
He said with the relationship that he and his colleagues had with Singapore, "I can simply say that relations between our two countries are at its best level ever in our history.
"With that kind of relationship, we can look forward to creating opportunities," he told the Malaysian community at a high-tea organised by the Malaysian Association in Singapore on Tuesday here.
Najib said he had always believed that Malaysia and Singapore were inextricably linked.
He added whatever was said and done, both sides might have had their own differences over the years but "since I have taken over, I have placed our relations with Singapore as one of our priority areas".
"Singapore (whether) you like it or not, is an advanced economy... an advanced economy right at your doorsteps. You should take advantage or leverage on the existence of a first world country in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), the infrastructure and other facilities here in Singapore.
"I believe that if we are able to set a stage in terms of strong political relationship at the highest level, then we will be able to send the right signal into our communities both in Singapore and Malaysia," he said.
Citing Iskandar Malaysia, Najib said the development in Iskandar depended by large on the demand from Singapore.
"Our tourism industry for example, out of the 29 million people who are characterised as tourists, 50% are Singaporeans. So you have 50% .. 14 million visitors a year.. most of them are repeat visitors from Singapore obviously," he said.
He said if Malaysia could increase not only the number of tourists but also the purchasing power of each tourist, "you can imagine the kind of flow that we can benefit from that kind of support from Singaporeans as tourists."
Najib also said the Malaysian diaspora abroad should work together in promoting the country in their own way.
"I believe we should look at the good side of Malaysia and you shouldn't always belittle your own country. I am not saying everything is perfect in Malaysia but there are many good things going for us.
"If we can talk about the positive attributes of Malaysia and of being a Malaysian, there would be a sense of pride," he added. – Bernama