SINGAPORE: Malaysia does not want to return to the era of "confrontational diplomacy and barbed rhetorics" in its relationship with Singapore, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
Describing it as an era "that Malaysia wants to forget", he said the current setting was more beneficial for both nations.
"That is why we believe in the position of the current government, which is a position that will bring mutual benefit to both countries and we stand by our policy, agenda and ability to deliver real and tangible benefits.
"We believe in a good relation with our neighbour, with Singapore, and we have proven that we can bring tangible benefits when we work together. That is the position of our government, although the other side might have other ideas," said Najib.
When asked about the fate of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) and High Speed Rail (HSR) projects should there be a change in government in Malaysia, Najib said the current government can't determine what the electorate would decide.
"What we can do is offer our agenda for the people to decide. We are a democracy and the people will decide. However, we believe they will decide on an agenda that is beneficial to the country," said Najib in a joint press conference with his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after the 8th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat.
He said he was pleased with the current state of relation between Malaysia and Singapore,.
"With the opening of the Marina One and DUO projects, we have shown that when two neighbours work together, we can achieve tangible results that people can see," said Najib.
The Marina One and DUO projects were developed by M+S Pte Ltd, a 60:40 joint venture between Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Temasek Holdings.
The projects, which have a total gross development value of S$11 billion, were developed as part of the 1990 Points of Agreement on the Malayan Railway land in Singapore.
"I am glad that we have resolved the matter in the best possible way. The two projects will become landmarks in Singapore for years to come." said Najib.