Azfar (centre) and Desmond (to his left) during the special celebration in Singapore with (from left) Wee, Azfar’s wife Datin Che Norhayati Soib and Liang.
Joint Malaysian fete celebrates relationship with Singapore built on common history, culture, values
MALAYSIA continues to be a top destination for Singapore with RM43.7bil invested in various sectors last year, says Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar.
He said that despite the challenging global economic landscape, economic, investment and trade ties between the two countries remained robust.
He highlighted that Singapore remained Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling S$104bil (RM353.6bil) in 2023.
“These figures tell a story of shared growth and opportunity, a story of how our economies are intertwined and how we both benefit from each other’s successes,” he said to about 700 guests at a special National Day and Malaysia Day celebration organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore.
Also present were Singapore’s minister for national development and minister-in-charge of social services integration Desmond Lee, Singapore MPs Don Wee Boon Hong, Liang Eng Hwa and Pritam Singh, its defence force chief Admiral Aaron Beng, attorney-general Lucian Wong and solicitor-general Daphne Hong.
Azfar said new initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JB-SEZ) promised to deepen economic integration between both countries.
“This project will serve as a hub of innovation, trade and sustainability, creating jobs and bringing shared prosperity to both nations,” he said.
“In this regard, Malaysia and Singapore are not just business partners, but are co-creators of the future,” he added.
Azfar stressed that the relationship between Malaysia and Singapore was not only deep-rooted, comprehensive and symbiotic, but also special.
“It is a relationship built on shared history, culture and values, which continue to shape our close cooperation today.
“It is a relationship that goes beyond geography and mere diplomacy.
“It is a connection that has flourished through the contributions of our people, businesses and governments.
“This symbiotic relationship has allowed both nations to thrive, and this was most recently underscored by the decision of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to choose Singapore as the first country for his state visit after ascending the throne.”
Azfar said Sultan Ibrahim also extended a special invitation to Singapore’s senior minister Lee Hsien Loong to attend his installation ceremony, a gesture that reflected the deep respect and significance that both Malaysia and Singapore placed on bilateral relations.
“Malaysia also looks forward to hosting the Annual Leaders’ Retreat later this year.”
He said Malaysia and Singapore shared one of the world’s busiest land borders, with some 350,000 people crossing daily.
“The interactions between our people – whether through work, education, travel or culture – reinforce the deep trust and respect we have for each other, demonstrating how interconnected our nations and societies have become,” he noted.
Azfar also reminded all Malaysians residing in Singapore to adhere to rules and regulations, to uphold Malaysia’s good name and to be helpful.
On the topic of Asean, Azfar said both countries were not only key contributors to the region’s stability, but were leading the charge in sustainability and innovation in the sphere of digital and green economy as well as digital and green technology.
“Malaysia will assume the chairmanship of Asean next year and is committed to working together alongside fellow Asean member states and partner states to maintain Asean’s centrality and unity in the pursuit of progress and prosperity,” he said.
Azfar said that on the global stage, in the United Nations and other fora, Malaysia would continue to work and stand together with Singapore and other like-minded states to advocate for multilateralism, climate action and a rules-based world order.
Lee and Azfar then later took turns to toast to the continued good health, happiness and success of Sultan Ibrahim and Singapore president Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as the special, enduring friendship between Malaysia and Singapore.
Besides being treated to Malaysian specialities, guests were also entertained with a lively silat performance by the cultural troupe from Yayasan Warisan Johor.
