Malaysia, S’pore comment on territorial dispute

Bloomberg

Malaysia and Singapore have issued more comments on a territorial dispute between the two nations. Singapore claims Malaysian government vessels are intruding into
its waters.
The statements signal a potential escalation in the war of words between the two Southeast Asian countries, a level of bickering not seen in years. The duo, which were once part of the same country, had a fractious relationship during Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s first stint in power from 1981 to 2003.
Mahathir Mohamad, speaking at a press conference near Kuala Lumpur said:
“The important thing is that Singapore agreed to a negotiation. We cannot give
a final answer” until the negotiations are
resolved. On why Malaysia decided to extend its Johor Bahru port, which Singapore alleges is an encroachment on Singapore waters, he said: “Lots of people announce their borders off and on and that causes a lot of dispute. We will settle the dispute based on legal provision and our rights.”