KUALA LUMPUR, 8 JUL – Singapore is committed to continue build a strong bilateral relationship with its neighbourly Malaysia.
Singapore defence adviser Col Dean Tan Wah Kheng emphasised that the strong relationships between countries and militaries were built by people and leaders who believed in it.
Tan stressed that he would very much follow-on with Singapore’s new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s first official visit to Malaysia.
Tan highlighted how instead of diving into agenda issues, Wong expressed his desire as the new Singapore leader to build a good relationship with his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I, too, will like to follow this lead in focusing on relationships, as we celebrate the strong relationship between the Singapore and Malaysian Armed Forces.
“Our history goes back till when our forefathers fought together and sacrificed themselves for the defence of the then Malaya!
“And so, our relationship started strong, as it was built upon being brothers-in-arms, but we have not sat still since then.
“Today, our close relationship is clearly visible.
“We work together in Joint patrols in the Malacca Straits. We have bilateral exercises for all the services!
“We participate strongly at our key events,” Tan said at the ‘59th Singapore Armed Forces Day 2024’ reception at the Shangri-la Hotel in Jalan Sultan Ismail.
Present were guest-of-honour Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, Singapore deputy high commissioner Shivakumar Nair, Malaysian Army deputy chief Lt-Gen Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim, RMAF deputy chief Lt-Gen Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris and Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation director-general Lt-Gen Datuk Razali Alias.
Also there were the Malaysian alumni of Singapore’s Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College and Singapore’s first officer at the Malaysian Armed Forces’ National Resilience College Col Kong Eu Yen.
Tan expressed his appreciation to the RMAF for despatching the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers to the ‘Singapore Airshow 2024’ last February.
“Our servicemen and women participate in each others’ courses at multiple levels which allow more ties to be built.
“Beyond the MAF-SAF ties, our inter-connected relationship – like many strands of thread – foster even greater strength,” said Tan.
He acknowledged the Five Power Defence Arrangement formed – after Malaysia’s and Singapore’s independence – in collaboration with Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
He said that the FPDA was 53 years old and still going strong, demonstrating the commitment of the partner nations to fostering security in the region.
On another note, Tan thanked the role played by the Military Attache Corps – comprising defence advisers and attaches – from various nations.
“Your presence underscores the relationships that tie us together in our efforts to promote security in our time.
“Strong relationships between countries and militaries are built by people and leaders who believe in it,” said Tan, paying tribute to Malaysian Defence Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Abdul Rahman, whose leadership and commitment to fostering relationships had set a strong foundation for generations of officers from the two countries. Tan also highlighted the role played by Asghar Khan.
“Your style of professionalism and warm hospitality has allowed the relationship between our air forces to grow, which allowed Singapore’s new Air Force chief Major-Gen Kelvin Fan an enjoyable introductory trip recently,” said Tan.
Tan gave special mention to their spouses and partners who were always supporting them in the most important relationship of their lives. – airtimes.my
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