Whatever is the decision, We will accept it

It was agreed by mutual understanding that Malaysia and Singapore will accept whatever decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague-23rd May,2008 on Pulau Batu Putih in the Johor Straits which has been a long standing and thorny issue in the diplomatic relations between the two close neighbours. "Whatever is the decision, We will accept it" -this understanding should be the key to all Malaysians and Singaporeans and its our hope that the outcome would not affect bilateral relations of the two countries.

Both countries have put their claims on the rocky outcrops which had been developed into a lighthouse for sea route navigation into straits during the colonial era to the extend that it has strained the ties for many years. Finally both sides agreed the matter should be decided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which sat last year. Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim insist that, 'No one will come to us and help us except ourselves and thus the communality between the two nations should be on the top priority list and any difference whatever they are should be left to be scored later'. He said both sides needed each other to prosper in many aspects.

It is important that to create harmonious relations, there must be trust between each other and what was committed through rule of law or through international arrangements must be respected and follow through by both nations. Malaysia and Singapore need to work together to strengthen economic and regional resilience within Asean and to ensure the Asean Charter was ratified and fully implemented.

Its our sincere hope that all Malaysians, especially the Johoreans understand the issue and respect the verdict by ICJ later in the week. No one should interpreted or misconstrue the final say in the interest of the two nations.- Khartiges