IT IS gratifying that a Malaysian Cabinet minister has attached paramount importance to ties between two close neighbours ("Khairy urges KL, S'pore to join hands as equals"; yesterday).
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin described the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia as one of friends and equals, and not the "big brother, little brother" kind of relationship framed by Malaysian politicians over the past five decades.
The fact that both Singapore and Malaysia have benefited so much, in terms of defence exercises, business investments, jobs, tourism and other spin-offs, demonstrates that political hiccups between the two neighbours that may crop up from time to time are taking a back seat.
Singaporeans and Malaysians have always maintained a high level of friendliness; they feel at home while visiting or working and living in each other's lands.
Political leaders should, thus, avoid making unnecessary remarks to strain the existing healthy bilateral ties.
When there is disagreement, what is important is that we try to accommodate input and views from each other, to overcome and amicably resolve any problem that affects us.
I cannot agree more with Mr Khairy that Singapore and Malaysia need each other. A win-win situation can be realised only if both sides have mutual understanding and, above all, trust.
Jeffrey Law Lee Beng
