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Singapore will take ‘appropriate measures’ to safeguard its interest: Vivian Balakrishnan
January 15, 2019
Singapore will take ‘appropriate measures’ to safeguard its interest: Vivian Balakrishnan

SINGAPORE: In resolving bilateral issues, Singapore will always take appropriate measures to safeguard its national interest, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament on Monday (Jan 14).

Dr Balakrishnan was responding to questions from MPs following his ministerial statement on Singapore-Malaysia bilateral issues.

In response to a question from Member of Parliament (MP) Vikram Nair on what further action Singapore could take if there are further intrusions into its waters and airspace from Malaysia, Dr Balakrishan said: “We will always take appropriate measures to safeguard our interest and any country dealing with Singapore must not assume that it is cost-free to embark on any adventures or antics against us. There will be consequences.

“I hope members appreciate this fine line that I am trying to follow. To be resolute, but to be calm. To quietly but clearly protect our interest. It doesn't mean we do not have sharp elbows. If sometimes we have to do it, we will do so.”

Dr Balakrishnan cited how Singapore “had to respond” after Johor Chief Minister Osman Sapian made an unauthorised visit to Malaysian vessel Pedoman in Singapore waters last week. Osman's actions prompted Singapore to postpone talks days before the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia, which was scheduled for Monday.

“We had to take action, so that's why we had to postpone the meeting. My point is do not take Singapore’s consistency and predictability for granted,” he said.


MP for Marsling-Yew Tee GRC Alex Yam also asked Dr Balakrishnan if there would be a point when Singapore may have to “be a bit of a bad cop” and make Malaysia understand that any further provocation will be met with an equal reaction.

Dr Balakrishnan said that despite Singapore’s attempts to be constructive and to keep the avenue open for a negotiated settlement, Malaysia must not believe it can take actions without consequences.

“For every action you take there are consequences. We will do so quietly but effectively. It’s the usual Singaporean way,” he said.

READ: Singapore, Malaysia maritime dispute: A timeline
"Red lines are not something you draw lightly, and not something which you announce publicly without having carefully thought through all the consequences and without communicating those considerations clearly and unambiguously to the person you are negotiating with on the other side," Dr Balakrishnan said.

source at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-appropriate-measures-safeguard-interest-malaysia-11120368

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