Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will undertake his first official visit to Singapore tomorrow (Jan 30) at the invitation of his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said Anwar – in his maiden visit to the republic after being sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia – will be meeting President Halimah Yacob and Lee.
According to the statement, the two prime ministers will witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Cooperation on Data, Cybersecurity and the Digital Economy and Frameworks on Cooperation in Digital Economy; and Green Economy. Prime Minister will also hold an engagement with the Malaysian diaspora in Singapore,” said the statement.
The visit will touch on the importance of Malaysia-Singapore ties as close neighbours and partners in ASEAN. “It will provide a golden opportunity for leaders from both sides to discuss ways to elevate this relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of shared interest, longstanding people-to-people links, and strong economic relations,” it added.
It is believed Anwar will be accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and the delegation will comprise foreign affairs minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Communications and Digital Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil, and officials from the relevant ministries and agencies.
The Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and the Chief Minister of Johor, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, will also be part of the official delegation.
By looking at the host of delegates accompanying the PM, one can assume the areas of discussion based on the ministries they represent. With Transport Minister Anthony Loke being part of the contingent, the topic of transportation is quite apparent, could the High-Speed Rail projects that were abandoned twice and revived only to be sidelined again be on the table for discussion?
Singapore is a big promoter of the venture as the island nation sees connectivity as a natural economy booster and drives not only tourism but also property value, especially in Johor. Jerren Lai, Head of Research at Datamine Malaysia said, “JB CIQ area is not only a major interchange in the future but already a hotspot for many dwellers who work in Singapore. JB CIQ properties will be significantly influenced by Singapore Woodlands valuation once RTS construction starts.”
He said this when the High-Speed Rail was terminated which meant that the Rapid Transit System – Gemas double-tracked railway will be the only future rail connection between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
With Singapore being Malaysia’s 2nd largest trading partner and the largest among ASEAN countries, with total trade amounting to RM367.53 billion (US$83.53 billion), should there be more arteries linking KL and the Lion City that can move people faster and more efficiently?
