SPEECH BY H.E HIGH COMMISSIONER
AT RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE 56TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE
Shangri-La Hotel, 17 September 2013
His Excellency Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs;
Mr. Seah Kian Peng, Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency;
Ms. Ellen Lee, Member of Parliament for Sembawang Group Representation Constituency;
Lieutenant General Ng Chee Meng, Singapore Chief of Defence Forces;
Excellencies;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Assalamualaikum, good evening and a warm welcome to everyone.
Tonight is a truly auspicious and special occasion for the High Commission of Malaysia. Our celebration is threefold tonight, celebrating three historic events in Malaysia’s history. On 31 August this year, Malaysia celebrated its 56th Anniversary of Independence. Yesterday marked another huge milestone; with the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Malaysia, as well as the 80th Malaysia Armed Forces Day.
2. Thank you for joining me, my wife and colleagues at this momentous occasion. As the new High commissioner of Malaysia, I am deeply honoured and grateful for your kind presence. I bid a special welcome to all my fellow Malaysians. May Malaysia continue to be blessed, and its peoples live in peace, prosperity and harmony.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. The past one year has been most eventful for Malaysia. On 5 May 2013, Malaysians went to the polls for the 13th General Elections. Despite the sometimes robust and vigorous campaign and election aftermath, Malaysia has ushered in a new era of politics in a peaceful, calm and mature manner. It is a testimony to the maturity of politics and democracy in Malaysia. There will always be differences between the various groups in Malaysia. That is the nature of a country as diverse and complex as Malaysia.
4. On 31 August, we celebrated our 56th Anniversary of Independence Day with the theme “My Sovereign Malaysia: My Native land” (Malaysiaku berdaulat, tanah tumpahnya darahku). I sincerely hope the patriotic spirit shown in Malaysia would be instilled amongst our peoples overseas, including Malaysians in Singapore, towards achieving a developed nation by 2020.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. Early this year, we were shocked by the intrusions of a terrorist group into our land in Sabah. It is a reminder for all of us not to take peace and security for granted. As a moderate and sovereign country, Malaysia abhors violence and the use of force. However, our security forces had to use force after the terrorists refused to surrender and instead attacked our security forces. Situation in Sabah is now back to normal and safe for tourists to visit the various attractions in Sabah.
6. In this regard, I want to pay a tribute to our security forces for their unfailing commitment and dedication to protect our security. Our Armed Forces and Police have put their lives at risk for us. From the struggle for independence, defeating communism, day to day maintenance of peace, order and stability, to this latest incident we owe a debt of gratitude to our warriors.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. I am pleased that Malaysia’s bilateral relations with Singapore are now at all-time high, with the two countries enjoying unprecedented levels of win-win cooperation in the political, economic and strategic spheres.
8. In February this year, the two prime ministers met and agreed on a number of important issues. Foremost, was to explore new opportunities that would bring our relations to new heights. Most excitingly, we agreed to build a high speed train that would connect Singapore and Kuala Lumpur within 90 minutes. Called a game-changer, the project will bring new dynamics, creating greater economic synergies between the two countries.
9. On the economic front, trade and investment continue to grow and expand. Singapore was Malaysia’s second largest trading partner last year after China. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Singapore increased by 8.7% to US$57 billion in 2012. Singapore was our largest export destination and second largest source of imports. In 2012, a total of 109 projects involving Singapore equity participation were approved with a total investment of US$723.7 million, creating more than 11,000 jobs.
10. Another area with great potential of cooperation is Iskandar, Malaysia. As of June 2013, cumulative committed investment from Singapore is RM6.32 billion (S$2.4 billion). Singapore is now the largest foreign investor in Iskandar. There are tremendous opportunities for further collaboration.
11. In terms of tourism, Singaporeans made over 13 million visits to Malaysia in 2012. Singapore was the biggest source of foreign tourist to Malaysia contributing about 52% of the total tourist of 25 million.
12. We are pleased that Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) is building a campus in Educity Iskandar. MDIS Malaysia is an important component of Malaysia's aim to be the sixth largest education exporting country by 2020 with 200,000 international students studying here. It is an example of how both countries can develop competitive strengths jointly. We welcome MDIS commitment to launch a special scholarship for Malaysian students and called on other educational institutions, in Singapore and abroad, to look at Iskandar and follow in MDIS footstep.
13. Malaysia is looking forward to the first state visit by H.E President Dr Tony Tan to Malaysia tomorrow to 20th September 2013. The visit is a testimony to the strong and enduring relations that Malaysia and Singapore share. It is also an excellent opportunity for the leaders to renew and strengthen their friendship as well as helping to enhance the existing relations between the two countries and two peoples.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. To all our friends who have graced our occasion today, thank you very much for joining me in celebrating Malaysia’s 56th Anniversary of Independence. Special thanks to our guest of honour H.E Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information.
15. Finally, a special mention to our partners, performers from Johore and Sarawak as well as well wishes who have contributed generously to the success of this event. Your support has enriched this event. It’s a reflection of the wonderful spirit of giving and sharing that we Malaysians are proud of.
Thank you all.
With that Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please join me in the toast,
To His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam,
President of the Republic of Singapore.
