Malaysia–Singapore ties framed as family bond, says Anwar in call for deeper cooperation

MALAYSIA and Singapore must continue to nurture a relationship built on trust, sustained engagement and substantive dialogue if both nations are to prosper together, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said.

Describing the two neighbours as “not merely friends, but family”, Anwar stressed that the countries have long been interdependent and mutually supportive throughout six decades of close diplomatic ties.

“My Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong and I are proud of every achievement we have built together,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“May this momentum continue to strengthen Malaysia–Singapore relations, opening more avenues of cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.”

Anwar made the remarks following his one-day working visit to Singapore yesterday for the 12th Malaysia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.

The annual retreat, hosted alternately by the two governments, is the highest platform for reviewing bilateral progress, addressing regional and international issues of shared interest and exploring new opportunities to deepen cooperation.

Singapore remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at ASD78.70 billion (RM339.39 billion) from January to October 2025, representing 13.5 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. - December 6, 2025