Daily Lessons from Life 25 June 2018 - Dr M testing our leaders?

"Malaysia, Singapore must 'comply fully' with Water Agreement provisions: MFA

SINGAPORE: Both Malaysia and Singapore must "comply fully" with the provisions of the 1962 Water Agreement and the 1965 Separation Agreement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Monday (Jun 25).

This was in response to media queries on Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's comments that Malaysia would make a presentation to Singapore on renegotiating the terms of the water supply deal between the two.

Said the spokesperson: "The 1962 Water Agreement is a fundamental agreement that was guaranteed by both governments in the 1965 Separation Agreement which was registered with the UN. 

"Both sides must comply fully with all the provisions of these agreements."

The Malaysian prime minister on Monday told Channel NewsAsia in an exclusive interview that the price of water being sold to Singapore was "ridiculous".

"We are studying the case properly and we’ll make a presentation," he told Channel NewsAsia."

Dr M probably feels that he has to take up the mentor role left vacant by late Mr Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) to test n develop our PM n the 4G leaders!! 

How else can one interprets his persistent challenges to some old n settled issues since his return as Msia PM for the 2nd time?

Unilaterally saying HSR Project will b postponed after initially saying it was cancelled can still b understandale; this old settled 1962 Water Agmt is NOT!

It will b good if Msia gov can share what are the basis for this hang up so we can try to understand the issue n start a meaningful dialogue.

At the end of the dialogue, it maybe Sgp cannot concede anything n we may go to the international court of justices as with the Petra Blanca territorial dispute!!

We want to avoid it as neighbourly disputes r best settle through friendly exchanges instead of going to court. Yet, if the neighbour decided to b uncooperative n bang on asserting too much, going to court is inevitable n must be defended totally. 

Will we or will we not go the litigious way? Hope not. 

Blessed Sgp n Msia.