Singapore Envoy Lauds Malaysia’s Decisive ASEAN Leadership

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore commends Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and credits Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his team for their swift and decisive actions during the recent armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Malaysia's mediation effort resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two neighbours. 

Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, said the episode demonstrated that while ASEAN’s consensus-based approach is important, a major crisis requires one to act without delay and with conviction.

“Sometimes you need to act fast. Malaysia showed leadership by making the phone calls, bringing the two leaders to Kuala Lumpur, and hosting them for talks that led to a ceasefire. 

“This is what we want to see, every government prepared to step in and tackle challenges head-on,” he said on Bernama TV’s The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch programme titled 'Malaysia And Singapore: A Bond Beyond Borders.'

Menon highlighted Malaysia’s role in securing an agreement to admit Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s newest member.

He described the ability to bring parties with differing views on board as “a good sign of leadership.”

He said ASEAN continues to serve as a neutral and comfortable platform for major powers to meet, noting that the recent 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) brought together the foreign ministers of Russia, China, and the United States (US) in various formats.

On regional economic matters, Menon pointed to the planned signing of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement in Kuala Lumpur this October as a positive step, along with efforts such as the ASEAN Power Grid to ensure the seamless flow of energy across borders.

Turning to bilateral ties, Menon described Malaysia–Singapore relations as being in an excellent state, supported by strong political leadership on both sides.

He noted that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which was agreed to earlier this year, is already attracting interest from businesses exploring opportunities in both Johor and Singapore.

“Singapore has its own strengths, Johor has its own strengths. Companies can decide where to locate their operations based on their needs.

“Even before the incentives were announced, businesses were already scouting locations,” he said.

Menon added that people-to-people connections remain a vital part of the relationship. He cited the Volunteer Teachers Programme initiative, which has enabled young Singaporeans to teach English in Malaysian schools, including in rural areas.

“This year marks the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the years, the relationship has grown from strength to strength, expanding into new areas such as the digital and green economies,” he added.

-- BERNAMA