Singapore & Malaysia Dive Into A Water Price Showdown
It’s no secret that Singapore keeps a level‑headed approach when it comes to squabbles. Whether the dispute is about a shared port or a sweet spot in the sky, the city‑state is prepared to drop the diplomatic guns and hand the problem over to an impartial third‑party.
Singapore’s Take on the 1962 Water Deal
- “No review rights for Malaysia”: According to the MFA spokesman, after Malaysia skipped a price review in 1987, the waters have been set in stone since then.
- “Still no price review so far”: The Singapore side says there’s been zero activity on that front.
Malaysia’s Counter‑Chronicle
- “We’re ready to keep the water bill honest”: Malaysia’s foreign minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, expressed confusion over Singapore’s stance and reminded Singapore that there’s room for a revisit.
- “Arbitration is on the table”: If agreement stalls, Malaysia hints that the international court might be the next stop.
- “Last November’s led a fresh conversation”: The meeting between Prime Ministers in Singapore sparked talks about possible adjustments, but the conversation stalled.
Back‑and‑Forth Between the Lawyers
- January 12, 2023 – A big‑picture pow‑wow between Prime Ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Mahathir Mohamad signaled differing views on price reviews.
- December 2023 – The attorneys‑generals met once more, only to find the discussion dead‑locked by other hot‑chili issues (think the Johor Bahru Port Limits or the Seletar Instrument Landing System).
- Now… the lawyers are gearing up for another sit‑down – we’re hoping this time the waters will calm.
Singapore’s Historical Open‑Arms Policy
Back in 2003, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jayakumar said Singapore was ready to send this water conundrum to the Permanent Court of Arbitration for a fair scoop. That historical precedent shows Singapore’s readiness to let the facts decide, not just the politics.
Bottom Line
- Both sides say “the problem’s still alive” – it’s just this time Singapore is juggling its stance that Malaysia lost its review right.
- When the lawyers redo the analysis, we’ll see whether a compromise or a formal arbitration will surface.
Stay tuned: as the water debate churns, you’ll find the story unfolding in these two nations’ court‑rooms, diplomatic nerves, and calls for international arbitration.
