Malaysian PM’s meeting with Singapore PM Lee highlights Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

SINGAPORE: On Wednesday (13 Sept), Malaysian Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, embarked on an official visit to Singapore.

According to the Malaysian state media outlet BERNAMA, the Prime Minister of Singapore and his spouse, Mdm Ho Ching graciously hosted Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, at an elegant afternoon tea ceremony held on the same day.

In an official Facebook post, Anwar conveyed that he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Lee on current developments and vital issues that hold great significance for both nations.

“I also met with Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, at the Istana. May this friendship continue to flourish and remain strong for the people of Malaysia and Singapore.”

Anwar was in Singapore for a one-day working visit, during which he had a diverse agenda.

One of the key highlights of his visit was his attendance at the invitation of the Milken Institute, where he shared his insights and perspectives on how Malaysia can effectively attract foreign investment.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Prime Minister Lee emphasized that both nations had reaffirmed their enduring and multifaceted close cooperation.

“No better way to do it than over tea. There is still much more we can do, if both sides continue to join hands for the benefit of our peoples. ”

Discussion on Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

One notable topic of discussion during the visit was the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

PM Anwar raised this initiative in an informal bilateral discussion with PM Lee, signalling the potential for significant economic collaboration between the two countries.

PHe elaborated on the concept, outlining how this area would soon serve as an attractive alternative for global company managers currently based in Singapore, offering enhanced living conditions, superior amenities including international schools and golf clubs, as well as convenient access via the Second Link.

“Discussions in a friendly manner… of course we discussed matters that touch on both countries but not officially,” Anwar told the Malaysian media at the end of the visit.

“I of course raised other issues including the proposed special area (in Johor) for foreign company managers working in Singapore.”

Moreover, Anwar revealed that the idea of the special zone garnered significant attention during his meeting with global investors earlier that day.

He stressed that he had conveyed to investors the high cost of management in Singapore, suggesting that they could continue their work in Singapore while residing in Johor, thus optimizing their cost structure.

In a pivotal development, Malaysia and Singapore had previously concurred in July to establish a special task force tasked with studying the creation of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

This task force will provide an update on its progress when the leaders reconvene during the forthcoming Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, scheduled for October.

In 2022, Johor, Malaysia, registered a remarkable influx of foreign investments totalling RM70.6 billion (equivalent to US$15.6 billion). These investments spanned across diverse sectors, showcasing the region’s attractiveness to global investors.

This visit marked Prime Minister Anwar’s first official visit to Singapore since assuming office in January.

PM Anwar was accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.