Singapore looking at terms for IDR joint ministerial committee

The Straits Times, June 28, 2007
By Chai Hung Yin

THE terms of reference for the joint ministerial committee for Johor's special economic zone were sent to the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, said Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore N. Parameswaran.

It is now up to Singapore to reply and respond to the terms, he said.

He revealed this to The Straits Times after a conference on the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in Singapore yesterday.

If Singapore agrees, both sides will meet soon, he said.

'They have already been talking, even before yesterday's note,' he said.

Mr Parameswaran was referring to the co-chairmen of the committee, Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan and his Malaysian counterpart, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi.

The committee is to ease cooperation between the two countries on specific matters, including bringing about fuss-free travel, to boost the development of the 2,217sq km IDR.

The cordial relationship between the leaders of both countries helps, said Mr Parameswaran.

'PM Abdullah (Badawi) and PM Lee (Hsien Loong) get along very well and they have very good chemistry between each other. And we hope it continues because it is good for both countries,' he said.