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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants its southern neighbour, Singapore, to play a bigger role in the development of southern state Johore's economic region.
Speaking ahead of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's two-day official visit to Singapore on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said both sides are expected to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues from trade and investment to security, tourism and education.
The visit will be Prime Minister Najib's first to Singapore since taking office in April.
It will be an opportunity for Mr Najib and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to build on their existing personal ties, said foreign minister Anifah Aman.
He also reiterated that Malaysia welcomes Singapore investment in the Iskandar Development project. He said there are many areas where both sides can explore win-win partnerships.
The minister also downplayed concerns raised by some quarters, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamand, that the locals may be squeezed out eventually.
Mr Anifah Aman said: "If it’s good for both countries, we will go along that path. While tun has his own opinion, we will cross the bridge when we come to it. I don't think it's a major problem."
Meanwhile, Mr Hanifah remains non committal whether the detained terror suspect Mas Selamat will be repatriated to Singapore. He was captured in Malaysia after escaping from a Singapore detention centre last year.
He said: "We will make the best decison in terms of security of both countries and co-operate." - CNA/vm
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