Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman said the long-standing close and unique relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore is built on sincerity.
Speaking to the media following an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday, the visiting minister emphasised the depth of bilateral ties.
“The special relationship between Brunei and Singapore stems from sincerity – between both countries, their leaders, and the royal family. I feel that this is one of the main characteristic of the special relationship,” Dr Mohamad Maliki said.
“Sincerity from leaders of both countries starting from the late Lee Kuan Yew with Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam as well as now, His Majesty with Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.”
He added, “The sincerity shows that we really want to continue to maintaining such a relationship. I feel that the relationship is not only at leadership level but also at ministerial as well as officers and people level.”
The minister also highlighted key areas of collaboration that continue to strengthen ties between the two nations.
He said, “Our economies are closely linked. With our currencies pegged and exchanged at par, we are moving forward together,” he said. He also noted Singapore’s imports of Bruneian commodities, such as eggs and processed beef products, as an example of economic interdependence. Dr Mohamad Maliki pointed out the increasing number of scholarships offered to Bruneian students in Singapore.
“Beyond economic ties, fostering deeper connections between our people is essential. There are still many areas for cooperation that we can explore,” he added.
Describing his visit to the Sultanate, he said, “I am deeply honoured to be here once again to meet His Majesty and the royal family.
“This is the 13th time I celebrated Hari Raya in Brunei. This has reflected the close and unique relationship between Singapore and Brunei. Through such visits, we can maintain and further strengthen the relationship between both countries,” he added.
Dr Mohamad Maliki said, “Last year, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and Brunei. We also hosted the 10th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP). Insya Allah, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be participating in the 11th Singapore-Brunei YLP in Brunei. This is some of the steps that we would like to continue to carry out the close relationship.“
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore is visiting Brunei from April 1-4 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
During his visit, Dr Mohamad Maliki and the Singapore delegation attended open houses hosted by current and former Brunei ministers, as well as senior government officials.
Dr Mohamad Maliki will also be the guest of honour at the Singapore High Commission in Brunei Darussalam’s Hari Raya open house tomorrow.
Dr Mohamad Maliki is accompanied by his spouse Sadiah Shahal, Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai and his spouse Dr N Gowri, Mayor (South East District) Fahmi Aliman and his spouse Rohana and Member of Parliament Rachel Ong. – James Kon
