Malaysian vessels in Singapore waters raise tensions, risk causing ‘dangerous incident’: MFA
The Singapore government said on Monday (10 December) that the presence of Malaysian government vessels in Singapore territorial waters has raised tensions and risked causing an “unintended and dangerous” incident.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Singapore had protested against Malaysia’s alteration of Johor Bahru’s port limits on 25 October and the subsequent intrusion of Malaysian government vessels into Singapore territorial waters.
On Friday (7 December), Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam and Attorney-General Lucien Wong met with the Malaysian Attorney General Tommy Thomas to discuss these and other issues.
The Singapore officials proposed a return to the status quo before 25 October without prejudice to Malaysia’s and Singapore’s respective positions on the maritime boundary between the two countries in the area which Malaysia claims.
“Maritime boundary claims can be made under international law, in accordance with established procedures, without needing to have ships facing off against one another,” MFA said.
Hence, Singapore is “disappointed” that the Malaysian government issued a statement earlier Monday to reject Singapore’s proposal to return to the pre-25 October situation. A return to the status quo ante will avoid misunderstandings and potential issues on the ground, MFA added.
“Malaysia’s deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim and can only heighten tensions. Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from continued deployment of its vessels into this area.”
Nevertheless, Singapore is “encouraged” that Malaysia is undertaking all effective measures to de-escalate the situation on the ground. Singapore also welcomes the Malaysian government’s agreement that officials meet in the second week of January 2019, to discuss the Johor Bahru port limits issue.
“The Singapore Government hopes to work with the Malaysian Government to find an amicable resolution of issues between the two countries in accordance with international law, and in the spirit of preserving our important bilateral relationship,” MFA said.
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