Malaysia and Singapore have reached a key understanding in their ongoing discussions on the Flight Information Region (FIR), with both sides agreeing that any future arrangement must ensure smooth and unhindered air traffic movements.
At a joint press conference after the 12th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Singapore on Thursday (Dec 4), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia recognises Singapore's need for safe and efficient air flow into Changi and Seletar airports, while Malaysia similarly requires free movement of flights to Sabah and Sarawak.
00:00Now, you have raised the issue of FIR and we acknowledge the need to accept the fact that we need such a flow to Changi and Slita, as much as that we need a flow to the east, Tegeri Sabah and Sarawak.
00:24And as I've further told you, Prime Minister, we have more flights into that region as compared to the earliest strength when we initially discussed this in the last many decades.
00:41But so the parameters are laid down. We're quite clear on that. So we need to just ensure that whatever regimen should not frustrate the free movements.
00:52And if we accept that principle, I think we can move ahead with more certainty.
01:01The maritime boundary, I concede, is more complex.
01:04But if we have clear commitment to try and resolve, I'm sure we should progress and beyond just recognising it's a problem, a complex problem.
01:17And my position is clear. I've told Prime Minister Lawrence to my colleagues in the Cabinet and also the officials, we must work towards an amicable resolution, even if it is not in full, at least progress in part.
01:35There are of course other issues that we have discussed extensively, the regional issues, the trade issues, but I think generally we are on the same page.
01:47And I am of course extremely delighted to be here and be able to discuss very candidly and frankly with Prime Minister Lawrence and joined by the cabinet members.
02:00And we should see, other than the formal meetings, more exchanges, more interaction for the two countries.
02:12Good afternoon, Prime Minister. It's Afifa from CNA.
02:15PMs, you both have spoken about the warm, candid ties and also the strong working relationship between the two governments.
02:23But when it comes to dealing with the more complex, long-standing issues, airspace, maritime boundaries, water,
02:29what specifically has changed in the way that you've guided your teams in terms of approaching these matters?
02:35And is there a timeline for any sort of resolution for this? Thank you.
02:40The long-standing issues are long-standing for a reason.
02:45They are complex, there are differences in views, and therefore we have to continue engaging one another.
02:52What's important is how we go about that engagement, and we do so in a constructive spirit, with mutual respect, trying to understand one another's positions.
03:02We try to resolve these issues in accordance with international law, and to achieve durable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
03:13For example, on airspace, as you heard just now from Prime Minister Anwar, we had a very fruitful discussion today,
03:28recognising that airspace management is not about sovereignty, it's about air management services for both countries,
03:35and to meet the current and future needs of our respective airports, in Malaysia's case, KLIA and Senai, in Singapore's case, Changi and Selita.
03:47And we are both sides committed to doing this through a joint study.
03:52And that's what we have settled the principles, the parameters, and we are moving forward.
03:56Not completely resolved yet, but moving forward in a spirit of, in a constructive approach, in a spirit of working together, and trying to find win-win solutions.
04:09There are differences, of course, but there's no hostility.
04:14And we don't take action, neither Singapore nor Malaysia, to frustrate these movements.
04:19What needs to be agreed upon, is to facilitate that process, and at least to have some clarity, so this will not create issues in the future.
04:32So I think you should at least complement the present efforts in that direction.
04:39I'm not suggesting necessarily that it was never done.
04:42This has been the position in the past, but at least for now, for the first time, we have got the parameters clear.
04:51What is required by Singapore was required by Malaysia, and let us find out the solution where both would be able to resolve,
05:00or benefit from this, to function effectively both in the air services and also the maritime.
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