Thursday, May 22, 2008

Pedra Branca Ruling 'Will Not Rock KL-S'pore Ties'

Source : The Straits Times, May 22, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA and Singapore have agreed not to cause trouble or problems in bilateral relations after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its ruling tomorrow on Pulau Batu Puteh, which the Republic refers to as Pedra Branca.

Foreign Minister Rais Yatim said it means that if the decision favours Malaysia, Singapore would continue to be friendly and would not raise prejudice, and vice-versa.

'We will respect the decision and continue to realise international friendships and neighbourliness. We should accept it as something normal...

'In this regard, there is agreement for a technical committee to be set up, and the committee will administer and carry out the decision according to international administrative principles,' he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Datuk Seri Rais said the committee would determine, among other things, who should be on the island after the ruling, and also questions over fishery areas.

Earlier, he had briefed Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Members of Parliament on the case.

'The Prime Minister feels it is a common case. If the country's prayers and wishes are not realised, it should face it in good nature,' Datuk Seri Rais said.

The people should also not create havoc or influence others regarding relations with Singapore, he said.

The Malaysian delegation will leave for The Hague tonight.

The ICJ heard arguments from both sides last November, and will deliver its decision on the dispute at 4pm today. The court's decision is final. -BERNAMA

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