George Yong-Boon Yeo
Singapore
“Sir, I would hesitate to make it compulsory because that seems high-handed, and many Singaporeans, when they are overseas, rather prefer not to get in touch with us until they run into trouble. Then they scurry. And, really, in this age of the Internet and Facebook, it is not difficult.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, we have to take these comments in our stride. What is important is that in Prime Minister Najib, we have a Malaysian leader who is decisive and who wants good relations with Singapore. Settling the POA was not a simple matter. It took a few years of careful negotiations.”
“We are fortunate to be located geographically, economically and culturally, smack right in the middle between China and India, the two most important centres of growth in the world today. But because our economy links us in a myriad ways to the world outside, every change in the world feeds back to us directly or indirectly.”
“These issues are raised at the international level from time to time. A few years ago, we had raised this at the United Nations (UN), and if it is necessary and helpful to raise this at the UN, WHO or any other international forum, we will continue to do so. Yes, we have been doing this.”
“I think the important thing is to be effective. It is not just to give emotional satisfaction to our own sense of hurt and grievance. The important thing is to be effective, and if we can be effective without commotion, all the better. But if we need a commotion, we will have a commotion. But the key is to be effective.”
“At the broader level, Indonesia has also announced a voluntary carbon emissions reduction target of 26% by 2020, and up to 41% with international support. These emissions reductions are slated to come, in large part, from the forestry sector.”
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“This is not possible as both agreements were negotiated and concluded as a package, a point which has been publicly acknowledged by both Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda and Defence Minister Juwono Sudarsono. Singapore's position is a clear and simple one. We have to abide by the sanctity of agreements once they are concluded. While maintaining this principle, we have nevertheless tried our best to be helpful to the Indonesian Government without reopening settled agreements. We have therefore conveyed a proposal to Indonesia on 22nd May 2007 suggesting a way forward. We are still waiting for Indonesia’s response to our specific proposals. At a breakfast meeting on 12th June 2007 in Singapore, Foreign Minister Hassan assured me that there is no intention by the Indonesian side to reduce the substance of what has already been agreed. He said, however, that Indonesia needed some clarification of details to facilitate the implementation of the DCA. Mr Speaker, Sir, we are aware that the dynamics of Indonesia's domestic debate are complicated and that the Indonesian Government may need more time before tabling the ET and DCA to the DPR for ratification. In the meantime, it is in the interest of both countries to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in other areas. We are after all close neighbours with a high degree of inter-dependence. Sir, Mr Michael Palmer has also submitted a question on the DCA to the Minister for Defence. Details on the DCA will be covered by the Minister for Defence.”
“All the main documents, namely the ET, DCA and the Military Training Area IA, were initialled that evening in an atmosphere of relief and celebration which was well covered by the international media. It was agreed that the main agreements would be signed in a formal signing ceremony in Bali on 27th April 2007, by the Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and the Defence Chiefs respectively, and witnessed by PM Lee and President Yudhoyono. We would have signed the other three Implementing Arrangements on that same day, but, at the Indonesians' request, purely for administrative and logistical reasons because they were not able to get all three of their Service Chiefs together for the Bali signing, we agreed that they could be signed in a separate ceremony by the Service Chiefs of both countries in Jakarta on 7th May 2007, to be witnessed by the two Defence Chiefs. As the whole package of agreements had been agreed to by both sides, we were therefore most surprised when Indonesia asked Singapore to make substantive changes to the IAs after the main agreements had been signed. There were also arguments from the Indonesian side that the agreements were incomplete. Sir, as I have pointed out, the ET, the DCA and the four IAs were negotiated and concluded as parts of a carefully balanced package. Insisting on substantive changes or introducing new elements afterwards means that there was no agreement in the first place. In effect, the entire package would be unravelled. This would make future negotiations with Indonesia, or with any other country for that matter, difficult if not impossible because there would be no finality even after an agreement had been reached. Some DPR members have asked the Indonesian Government to accept the ET but reject the DCA.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is true that a number of Indonesian DPR members have rejected the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) even before the Indonesian Government has officially submitted it to the DPR for ratification. Some claimed that the DCA infringed on Indonesia's sovereignty. Others denounced the Extradition Treaty (ET) and DCA agreements as an unfair deal for Indonesia. Many strange allegations were made against the DCA and against Singapore during hearings in the DPR. Sir, please allow me to reiterate some key points about the ET and DCA. The two leaders, Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono, agreed in October 2005 that the ET and DCA would be negotiated as a package with a balance of benefits for both sides. Their intention was for the conclusion of these two agreements to elevate relations between Indonesia and Singapore to a higher plane. It was in this spirit that Singapore negotiated the ET and DCA with Indonesia. As to be expected, the negotiations were complex and took many rounds. It was important for both countries to benefit from each of the two agreements, taking into account each country's sovereignty and core interests. After nearly two years of negotiations, with both sides showing goodwill and making compromises along the way, we eventually agreed on a package of agreements on 23rd April 2007. This package comprised the ET, the DCA and four Implementing Arrangements or IAs. The four IAs were the Military Training Area IA and three other IAs on specific joint projects involving the three Services. The final round of negotiations was carried out by the Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers and Defence Chiefs in Singapore.”
“In addition, MND has an Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) for selected private estates, when more comprehensive upgrading is done. In carrying out EUP, MND coordinates its works with those of other public agencies. My Ministry is open to any suggestions to improve the current arrangements, to better serve the needs of the private estates’ residents in a more comprehensive and cost-effective way.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I assure Prof. Thio that among Foreign Ministers, and among the Leaders and Ministers of ASEAN, that there is growing interest in this field -- a growing acceptance that we are interdependent, we live together in one global community. Therefore, there should be minimum human standards which govern our behaviour. But as to what specific steps we should take, these are issues that we have got to think over and compromise on. Should Singapore be telling what our neighbours should do? I do not think we should do that, because to begin with, why should they accept what we tell them? The best that we can do is to achieve high standards in Singapore, and then set an example which others would naturally want to study. And if we lead, let us lead by example. INTERIM UPGRADING PROGRAMME FOR PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES 13. Mdm Cynthia Phua asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government will introduce an Interim Upgrading Programme for private housing estates so that more estates could be upgraded in view of the limited funds. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) (for the Minister for National Development): Sir, the public areas and amenities in the private residential estates come under the purview of various public agencies. For example, LTA manages roads, pavements and street lightings; PUB oversees drainage-related works; while NParks is in charge of works relating to parks. These agencies have their respective maintenance and upgrading programmes for the private estates, and do consider feedback and requests by the estates for improvement works when executing their programmes.”
“Human rights are best protected when they are underpinned by strong economic, cultural and social foundations. Sound national policies that promote economic growth, raise living standards and provide basic social welfare are more important than any regional mechanism. Drafting of the ASEAN Charter is on-going. There is a clear consensus within ASEAN that the Charter will contain a strong affirmation of the respect for human rights, as one of the basic principles of ASEAN. We have still not decided whether to have a Human Rights Commission. Being a Constitution, the Charter cannot go into details like a specific action plan. Instead, it should allow for the introduction of specific measures as and when the Leaders agree on them.”
“Discussions within ASEAN on the establishment of an ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children are on-going. ASEAN officials are looking at possible modalities. Track II discussions on this issue, organised by the Working Group on an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, are also concurrently ongoing among civil society, academia and government agencies. There have been two consultations conducted to date, with the last one taking place last week in Bangkok. I believe that Professor Thio attended the first Track II consultation on the Commission in November last year, and I thank her for taking an interest in this issue. I understand that some preliminary proposals on the modalities of the Commission will be submitted to the ASEAN Senior Officials later this year. We look forward to receiving them. As for the question on whether Singapore supports an ASEAN mechanism for protecting human rights in general, there is a growing consensus of the need to protect and promote human rights as we step up our community building efforts. The fact that measures such as human rights education, the rights of women and children, and the rights of migrant workers have been inscribed in ASEAN's own action plan reflects its growing importance. Singapore supports the moves within ASEAN to raise the general level of awareness of human rights, including the rule of law and good governance, as they are all inter-related. At the same time, we should respect the diversity within ASEAN. ASEAN members are at different stages of development, each with its own history, culture and heritage. Any regional mechanism for human rights has to take this diversity into account.”
“So it is important to set these problems in context.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, this is primarily a bilateral matter. If any country, in effecting a ban on exports, does so in a way which contravenes the WTO or ASEAN's economic agreements, then we can invoke dispute mechanisms within those agreements. But I believe that it is within Indonesia's rights, for environmental reasons, to ban the export of sand, and it has done so for environmental reasons. I know there have been Indonesian legislators and officials who have talked about various motives for banning the export of sand, but the official reason given to us was for environmental reasons and we have got to take it at face value. As to what we can do in response, well, the key is that we must be diversified and we must have our own strengths. The ban of sand and the disruption of granite supply have caused some disruption to the construction industry, caused some inconvenience to Singaporeans, but I think we are able to cope, and Minister Mah Bow Tan has explained in some detail in this House how we have been able to cope. But if you look at our bilateral relations with Indonesia on the whole, it is a big account and we are mutually dependent in so many ways. There are specific problems here and there and it is best we manage them as discrete problems rather than linking everything together. So for example, I have informed this House before that on the Extradition Treaty and Defence Cooperation, we are negotiating these in parallel. The negotiations are ongoing and I hope they can be resolved in a reasonably short time. We are helping Indonesia in developing the Special Economic Zone in Batam, Bintan and Karimun; we are helping them on Avian Flu in Tangerang near Jakarta; we are helping with the haze problem in the province of Jambi; and in so many areas we are cooperating.”
“The process is now in the open. It will be taken through legal channels in Indonesia. Three of the barge owners are Singaporean. If they want our help, we will help them in whatever way we can. It is good that the matter is now transparent. I am sure that they will get their own lawyers. If charges will be pressed, they will defend themselves and the matter should be properly resolved in this way, according to the laws of Indonesia.”
“In particular, which is the hon. Member referring to - the granite? Er Lee Bee Wah: About those detained barges.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I think we are used to being called names and described sometimes in comical idiomatic ways. The responses to some of the disruptions we have faced had been discussed in this House and I believe Minister Mah Bow Tan will be talking in greater detail about them in answer to the following question. It is true, Mr Speaker Sir, that we are not a "200-pound Hulk". Maybe we are small, but we are not without capabilities and our gongfu is not bad. If sand is kicked in our face, the person may end up with a mouthful of sand in his own mouth. Er Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, I would like to ask the Minister how long more have we to wait and is there any other action or alternative that we can take?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, Indonesia has not banned the export of granite. However, there have been supply disruptions in recent weeks due to the detention of several barges and tugboats carrying granite bound for Singapore since February. When I met Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda in Nuremburg last month on 15th March, he told me that an inter-departmental team from Jakarta had visited the Riaus to investigate the detention of the tugboats and barges. Minister Hassan assured me that the Indonesian team's verification process would be transparent. I agreed with him that transparency is important. Transparency in such matters is good for trade and investment and in the national interest of Indonesia. On 5th March 2007, MFA sought clarification on the detained barges through a Diplomatic Note and subsequently followed up with two reminders on 12th March and 26th March. DEPLU (the Indonesian Foreign Ministry) replied on Thursday, 5th April 2007, last week via a Diplomatic Note giving us the inspection results. According to the Note, 22 tugboats and barges were detained in February and in March. However, only seven were alleged to have violated the land sand ban by carrying land sand or a mixture of land sand and granite chips. The rest were detained on charges of violating various other Indonesian laws, shipping regulations and customs regulations. DEPLU informed us that these cases will now be taken up through the legal process in Indonesia. We are studying DEPLU's response and will seek further clarification from the Indonesian Government, if necessary.”
“By their very nature, they are not easy agreements to negotiate - Extradition Treaty and Defence Cooperation - but we have made good progress. The officials have met many times. We have been negotiating in parallel and the remaining issues are quite well crystallised now and I hope that when the Ministers meet, which means the Foreign Ministers and the Defence Ministers together, I hope we will be able to reduce the gaps so that they can be settled when our Leaders meet. So I would not say that the issues are too difficult. I say that they are difficult but they can be overcome.”
“ASEAN Environment Ministers have been meeting. They have drawn up plans to combat the haze this year. We do expect the situation to be bad because of the El Nino effect. For sure, ASEAN by itself cannot combat the haze. We have been trying for 10 years without much effect. So we do need international support and assistance in overcoming what is really a global environmental problem.”
“Sir, the ASEAN Charter should contain provisions for the leaders to take action against a country that is in gross violation. The problem is this - among the leaders, they operate on the basis of consensus. But in such a situation, there cannot be consensus. This is the problem that we have posed to the High Level Task Force, which is the drafting group, and we told them that in this extreme situation, a provision should be drawn up. It is important that we separate this from the issue on Myanmar, which does not come close to that situation. I appreciate why Dr Ong Chit Chung and Mr Charles Chong feel strongly about the situation in Myanmar. I think many of us share the same sentiments. But sometimes, difficult cases make bad law. We should not use the example of Myanmar to settle what should be a long-term provision for ourselves in ASEAN. 4.00 pm”
“Sir, the ASEAN Charter is intended to be a legal document, a mini-constitution for ASEAN integration. It would be drafted as a legal document. It would have provisions which will put upon its member states certain obligations. Should there be disputes, there will be provisions for dispute settlement. It will cover all three pillars of ASEAN - political-security, economic, socio-cultural. We had the Eminent Persons Group meet for a year and they put up ambitious recommendations which the leaders have accepted. We are now, on the basis of those recommendations, drafting the Charter. It is a very important undertaking. If you look at the constitutions of many countries, if you look at the UN Charter, once these documents are drafted, they are not easy to change. They will affect structures and systems for years to come. The moment of conception is always the most important. We are now tinkering with the DNA of the egg, which is why from Singapore's perspective, we need to pay close attention to the drafting of the Charter. Prof. Tommy Koh is our representative on the drafting committee, and Second Solicitor-General Walter Woon is assisting Prof. Tommy Koh.”
“Many of our Arabs are Hadramis who are an unusually talented and entrepreneurial people. Recently, Minister Yaacob and I had lunch with members of the Arab Association to discuss how the Government can facilitate the Association's efforts to reinvigorate our Arabic heritage, including the teaching of the Arabic language. Mr Chairman, Sir, with the unfolding of our second wing, Singapore's external engagement has grown dramatically in recent years. Singaporeans and Singapore companies can now be found all over the world, including Africa and Latin America. It is the job of the Foreign Ministry to help expand that external space for Singaporeans in this new phase of our national development. It is an exciting phase and one which I hope more Singaporeans would consider being a part of.”
“Some have asked to partner us in entering these Asian markets, especially China, as they believe that we are more familiar with this region. And, as Minister Tharman mentioned in his Budget Speech, Singapore is also becoming a centre for Islamic finance to service the growing economic links between the Middle East and East Asia. I spoke about the strategic importance of Iran earlier. Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will be visiting Iran in a few days' time. On Iran's nuclear programme, Singapore has always taken a firm position. We acknowledge Iran's right to develop nuclear technology for civilian purposes but this must be done under the supervision of the IAEA. It is necessary for Iran to comply with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the IAEA safeguards regime. Since Iran has explained that its nuclear programme is a peaceful one, we hope that it will abide by UN Security Council Resolution 1737 and reduce what IAEA Director-General El Baradei called the 'confidence deficit'. We believe that Iran can play an important positive role in bringing peace and stability to a troubled region. Doing so would be in the interest of Iran and the rest of the world. Beyond the Gulf, Singapore's relations with Egypt, Jordan and the Maghreb are all warming up. Last year, we established diplomatic relations with Libya. And I hope to visit Libya this coming May to explore opportunities for cooperation. To deepen our knowledge of the Middle East, we will establish an institute to study the Middle East focusing on West Asia and North Africa. It will complement the existing Southeast Asian, East Asian and South Asian Institutes. Our Arab community in Singapore is an invaluable bridge we should use to re-establish links with that region.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, Mr Zainudin Nordin asked for a progress report on our Middle East account. We have made significant progress since our policy shift to engage that region some three years ago. Last year, the Saudi Crown Prince made a very successful official visit to Singapore. The story of the young boy who walked up to the Prince at the lounge of the Fullerton Hotel, chatted him up and who was then given a string of beads by the Crown Prince, touched the hearts of many Singaporeans. Prime Minister Lee also had a good visit to Saudi Arabia in November last year. We were pleasantly surprised and honoured when the Saudis proposed to send more than two hundred scholarship holders to study in our universities annually. Our relations with the other Gulf states - Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait - are also blossoming and becoming more multi-faceted. We enjoy a good brand name and, generally speaking, our companies and our citizens are sought after by all these countries. Some of our companies have secured sizeable contracts. I hope more of our businessmen will seize opportunities in that market. Negotiations for an FTA with the GCC countries, which consist of all the countries that I have mentioned, have begun and should not take too long to complete. Not only are there opportunities for us to trade and invest in each other's economy, there are also good prospects for us to work together in third countries. Flushed with cash reserves from high energy prices, and feeling somewhat less welcome in the West nowadays, some of the GCC countries are looking for opportunities to invest their money in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries in our region.”
“For this reason, we worked hard for an EAS that included India. But we need more than economics to bind us together. We need also to develop cultural ties, the ties that in past periods created the maritime silk route. For example, with the support of the Buddhist community in Singapore, MFA has been working with India, China, Japan and many other Asian countries to promote the Nalanda project which Mr Palmer referred to. Mr Palmer asked whether there is a danger that Singapore might be caught in between should conflict break out between the big powers, for example, between China and US, or China and Japan. There is always such a risk. What is important is for us to be clear about our own position. While we have friendly relations with the major powers, we are never their agents. And we must always be autonomous and have our own core. Let me answer Ms Irene Ng and Mr Hawazi Daipi. If there is a puppeteer, it is the people of Singapore whose collective interest we advance. Dr Ong Chit Chung referred to our relations with the US, with whom we have an FTA and a Strategic Framework Agreement. Last year, President Bush made his second official visit to Singapore. No other country can match the US in its comprehensive capabilities. When the Boxing Day tsunami hit us, it was the US military which did the heavy lifting in countries all along the Indian Ocean rim. The SAF was only able to play a significant role because we were within operational range of Aceh. We also recognise the importance of Russia to our region. Our political and economic links to Russia are getting stronger. There are now many direct flights between Singapore and Moscow. We are also working together on the development of Special Economic Zones.”
“China welcomes the extension of our involvement from the coastal regions to the West and the Northeast, and both sides have been making bilateral visits at a high level. Our good relations with Japan were highlighted last year by the visit of the Emperor and the Empress. Following the custom of the Imperial Household, the visit was carefully crafted in great detail to express the depth and the warmth of our friendship. This month, Prime Minister Lee will be making an official visit to Japan. With economic recovery, Japan's role in ASEAN's economic development is growing again. To answer Mr Palmer, we are relieved to see the sun come out in the relations between Japan and China although the clouds have not completely dispersed. Prime Minister Abe made an important move in visiting Beijing first when he assumed office, and Prime Minister Wen will be returning the visit to Japan in April 2007. As for India, raised by Ms Rajah and Mr Palmer, our bilateral relations have never been better. We are now cooperating on a wide front, including in security and defence. Our artillery and armour units conduct joint exercises regularly, including live-firing exercises. The two air forces have been conducting a series of bilateral exercises, out of Kalaikunda in West Bengal and, for the first time last year, in Singapore. Following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in June 2005, bilateral trade jumped 40% last year. In a modest way, we have been promoting good relations between India and China and between India and Japan. We try to add value where we can. And these are the three most important countries in Asia. If they develop strong bonds of cooperation, the whole of Asia will benefit and Singapore will prosper.”
“With Brunei, our relationship is intimate and problem-free. Later this year, Prime Minister Lee will be visiting Brunei to launch jointly with the Sultan a commemorative currency note to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of our Currency Interchangeability Agreement. Dr Ong Chit Chung and Mr Charles Chong asked about our attitude towards Myanmar. It is sad that the country is not moving forward, at least not in a way obvious to foreign observers. By right, Myanmar should be in the Chair of ASEAN this year. We have decided that in ASEAN, we should give Myanmar more space to work out its own internal problems. This also means that ASEAN stopped having a common position at international forums, like the UN and the ILO. Mr Chong asked whether the ASEAN Charter should have provisions for actions against member states in the case of serious violations. This is a subject still being discussed but not with specific reference to Myanmar. Bilaterally, we continue to maintain good relations with Myanmar and we wish the Myanmar people well. I will be making a bilateral visit to Myanmar next month. It is not for us to tell them what to do but we support ASEAN's consensus calling on the Myanmar Government to adhere to its own Roadmap to Democracy and for the release of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi. To answer Ms Rajah and Mr Palmer, our bilateral relations with China, Japan and India are excellent. With China, the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi and DPM Wong Kan Seng covers a wide field. Last year, both sides agreed to launch negotiations for a China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement within the framework of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. Suzhou has become an icon of our close partnership.”
“This morning, MFA delivered a TPN to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore to confirm what Foreign Minister Hassan had assured me in Siem Reap and to ask the Indonesian Government to take immediate action to release the vessels that are still detained. It is not clear to us what caused the recent events which threatened our bilateral relations. We know, for a fact, that President Yudhoyono values good bilateral relations as we do. On ET and DCA, we are not far from a solution. This was also Minister Hassan's view when I met him. And we have agreed that negotiations should now be elevated to the ministerial level so that they can be jointly concluded on the basis of "an overall balance of benefits" agreed to between Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono. Mr Chairman, Sir, from time to time, we must expect countries to pressure us in the hope that we will then give way to their demands. Singaporeans know that if we give in to such pressures, we would only invite more such pressures. However, we are always prepared to build good relations with them on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. We should still help them when they are in difficulty not because we expect gratitude or reward, but because that is the right thing to do. I do understand the sentiments expressed by Ms Indranee Rajah, Ms Irene Ng and Dr Ong Chit Chung, which are sentiments shared by many Singaporeans but we have to take these ups and downs in our stride. 3.45 pm Moving on to the rest of ASEAN, Singapore treasures its close ties with the Philippines and Brunei. The leadership of President Arroyo was a decisive factor in the success of the last ASEAN Summit in Cebu. We were touched by the warm welcome accorded to President Nathan during his State Visit to the Philippines last month.”
“He reiterated environmental concerns and conceded that our reclamation would not change the sea boundaries between Singapore and Indonesia because what was under discussion was far away from our reclamation areas. Last week, I met Minister Hassan during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Siem Reap. He repeated to me that there was no linkage between the ban on land sand and other bilateral issues. And he explained Indonesia's environmental concerns. I told him that our offer to work with Indonesia on these concerns was still on the table. On sand, I acknowledged Indonesia's prerogative to stop its export, subject, of course, to international rules. I told him we were disappointed but we would find alternatives. Early last week, another issue arose. We received reports that the Indonesian Navy was interdicting and detaining tugboats and barges carrying granite chips from Indonesia to Singapore. As of this morning, some 12 tugboats and 12 barges have been detained, most of which fly the Singapore flag. Mr Hawazi and others raised this specific problem. I asked Foreign Minister Hassan whether there was a ban on granite exports to Singapore as well. After checking, he assured me that there was no such ban. He said there were only some existing administrative verification procedures to be complied with for granite exports. He invited us to witness the verification process to ensure its transparency. I welcomed this. Minister Lim Hng Kiang also spoke to Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Pangestu to clarify the matter. She also confirmed that there was no ban on granite exports and acknowledged that several barges carrying granite chips from Indonesia to Singapore had been detained by the Indonesian Navy.”
“In October 2005, PM Lee held a retreat with President Yudhoyono in Bali. They agreed to negotiate an ET, an Extradition Treaty and a DCA, or a Defence Cooperation Agreement, in parallel and to be concluded as a package. We have made good progress on both the ET and the DCA. There are a few difficult issues remaining, but the gaps can be overcome. We have also agreed to cooperate on the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the Riaus, and to work together regionally and internationally to combat the haze. Unfortunately, despite these positive developments, other issues have recently emerged that could sour relations and affect bilateral cooperation. On 5th February 2007, Indonesia banned the export of land sand to Singapore. Various reasons have been advanced by Indonesian politicians and legislators, some quite wild and strange. I like the five "Ps" which Ms Indranee Rajah used to describe the cacophony which we are now hearing. On 16th February 2007, the Jakarta Post published an article which quoted the DEPLU's (Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs) Director General for Asia, the Pacific and Africa saying that the ban on land sand exports to Singapore was a way to put more pressure on us to move faster on ET and border demarcation. MFA issued a statement on 19th February to say that, if this was indeed DEPLU's position, it was unfortunate and contravened the earlier agreement by the two Leaders and would further complicate border negotiations. On 21st February, Foreign Minister Hassan clarified that the land sand ban was not intended to pressure us.”
“Last year, PM Lee was invited by Vietnam Premier Dung to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park which has been a signal success. The two PMs also witnessed the launch of the VSIP II in September 2006. We look forward to Vietnam playing a growing role in ASEAN. Our relations with Cambodia and Laos are also in good shape. Dr Ong, Mr Hawazi, Ms Rajah and Dr Maliki asked whether problems in our bilateral relations with Thailand and Indonesia will affect ASEAN's development. Well, I certainly hope not. With Thailand, our relationship is strong enough to weather the uproar over Prof. Jayakumar's private dinner with former PM Thaksin. As Thai Assistant Army Commander, General Saprang, who is a member of the Council for National Security (CNS), said in his interview with the Straits Times published on 21st February 2007, "misunderstandings between the two countries have come about because of Thaksin's business. The problem can be resolved fairly ... and won't blow up because the cause of the problem is not Singapore, but Thaksin". In other words, we are just being embroiled in their own domestic political conflict. I share General Saprang's sentiments. As close and friendly neighbours, it is right that both sides take into account each other's sensitivities whenever possible. We value our friendship with Thailand and the Thai people. It is good that both countries view Temasek's purchase of Shin Corp as a commercial transaction. The Thai Government has stated publicly that it is mindful of the rights of international investors and will not take action which is discriminatory in nature. As for Indonesia, which was raised by, I think, all MPs, our relations were improving until recently.”
“That doesn't mean all our bilateral issues have been resolved, but we are moving on to a more mature track. We are able to segment areas where we think we can move forward and areas we cannot, and move on the areas we think we can move ahead". I welcome this new phase in our relationship with Malaysia. In May, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will visit Malaysia with a delegation of Cabinet Ministers for a retreat with Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and his colleagues. This will be the first Retreat between our Leaders. Close cooperation between our two countries will benefit our peoples. Personally, I was delighted, when it was announced that Genting made the successful bid for the Sentosa IR project. We look forward to working with Malaysia on the Iskandar Development Region in South Johor on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. I am pleased to inform the House that the National University of Singapore will be conferring on the Sultan of Johor an honorary doctorate in April on the occasion of his official visit to Singapore. At Siem Reap last week, I expressed our intention to establish a Consulate in JB to Syed Hamid who welcomed it. Singapore's relationship with Vietnam is growing from strength to strength. Vietnam has made remarkable progress in the last decade. It has been the fastest growing economy in ASEAN all through the Asian Financial Crisis. We have been working with Vietnam to deepen our economic cooperation. The Connectivity Agreement which we signed with Vietnam in December 2005 has raised our economic relationship to a new level by allowing both countries to leverage on each another's strengths.”
“ASEAN's relations with both the US and the EU are becoming stronger. With the US, a Plan of Action was signed last July to implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership. With the EU, negotiations for an EU-ASEAN FTA will soon be launched. The EU has also indicated its desire to accede to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Singapore is a strong advocate of stronger EU involvement in ASEAN. We hope that both the ASEAN-US and ASEAN-EU Anniversaries will be celebrated at the Summit level. While in the Chair, we will do all we can to move ASEAN forward. A peaceful ASEAN can play a major role in maintaining the larger peace in Asia. If I may answer Dr Maliki, Dr Ong and Ms Irene Ng directly, it does not mean that, with a strong ASEAN, there will be no more problems or conflicts among countries in Southeast Asia. There will still be. But a sense of regional solidarity and a habit of consultation and cooperation will set our disagreements within limits and facilitate their solution. To respond to the comments made by Dr Ong and Ms Irene Ng, ASEAN still has a very positive role to play. The most important objective is to maintain the peace in the region. If we are able to keep the peace for another generation, the entire region, which encompasses more than half the world's population in Asia, will be transformed beyond recognition and hundreds of millions of people will be brought out of the depths of poverty. Let me now move to our bilateral relations in ASEAN. Ms Rajah, Dr Maliki and Dr Ong Chit Chung commented on our relations with Malaysia. On the whole, our relations with Malaysia are good and getting better. I agree with the recent remarks by Foreign Minister Syed Hamid, quoted in the Straits Times that, "our bilateral ties with Singapore have never been better.”
“It is good that the US is also now prepared to engage Iran and Syria through a regional conference on Iraq. While we have little influence over the larger forces at play, we can help stabilise our immediate environment in Southeast Asia. Ms Indranee Rajah, Dr Ong Chit Chung, Ms Irene Ng, Mr Charles Chong, Dr Maliki, Mr Teo Ser Luck and Mr Hawazi Daipi raised ASEAN and the importance of ASEAN integration. Building a stronger ASEAN is indeed a core element in our foreign policy. By the next Summit this November, the ASEAN Charter, which is being drafted, should be ready for our Leaders to sign. We will strengthen all three pillars of ASEAN, for political-security cooperation, for economic integration and the strengthening of our socio-cultural linkages. A strong ASEAN enables us to negotiate more effectively with our major partners like the US, China, Japan, India, Europe and Australia/New Zealand. ASEAN is already playing a leading role in the construction of a larger architecture of peace and cooperation in the region. We have an inner concentric circle consisting of ASEAN and the three Northeast Asian countries of China, Japan and Korea, what we call ASEAN + 3. And we have, in addition, a larger concentric circle, the EAS, which also includes India, Australia and New Zealand. Launched in Kuala Lumpur in December 2005, the EAS had a successful second meeting in Cebu. Dr Ong Chit Chung asked about the ASEAN Formal Ministers' Retreat in Siem Reap last week. We had a good meeting and we were able to advance the ASEAN agenda significantly. Later this year, Singapore will be in the ASEAN Chair for its 40th Anniversary as pointed out by Ms Rajah, Dr Ong and Mr Hawazi. We will also be celebrating the 30th Anniversary of our dialogue relations with the US and the EU.”
“Mr Chairman, Sir, allow me first to thank Members for their questions on Singapore's foreign policy, although there are not many cuts this year. Overall outlook To answer Ms Indranee Rajah and others, the overall international and regional outlook for Singapore remains favourable. The big international relationships which affect us have improved. Sino-US relations are on an even keel. As a result of this, cross-Straits relations are stable, at least for now. The US has recognised China's helpfulness in finding a solution to the North Korean nuclear problem. Under Prime Minister Abe, Japan's relations with China have become less frosty. China's relations with India are also getting better. Both sides are engaged in serious border talks and trade between them is growing smartly. All this is good for community building in the region - APEC, ASEAN + 3 and the EAS (East Asia Summit). 3.30 pm The Middle East, however, remains worrying. The situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. The standoff between the international community and Iran over its nuclear programme is reaching a head. Against the backdrop of growing division between Sunnis and Shiites, the Middle East is one area where conflict can suck in all the world's major powers. We will be directly affected in Southeast Asia as well. Without forward movement in Palestine, Iraq and Iran, the problem of jihadi terrorism can only get worse. But it is not all gloom; there are some positive developments as well. For example, Saudi Arabia is now playing a helpful role in bringing Fatah and Hamas together to form a unity government in Palestine. Although the Mecca Agreement falls short of the conditions set for an internationally-recognised Palestinian government, it nevertheless represents a step forward.”
“The EPG have therefore recommended that for non-sensitive areas like economic cooperation, we can apply principles such as 10-X and 2+X, in which members that are willing and ready can proceed with implementing certain projects, while others have a more flexible timeline to come on board. Such flexibility and pragmatism will allow the grouping to move forward without being held back by one member or a minority. Column No : 1313 EXTENSION OF LEGAL RETIREMENT AGE (Effect on older workers) 59. Dr Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how has the extension of the legal retirement age affected older workers in the last few years; and (b) whether there has been any company or employer who has violated the Retirement Age Act.”
“Today, all levels of ASEAN officials meet in many settings and across different sectors. As regional integration efforts pick up, we can expect the demands on ASEAN to increase. Indeed, at the last Cebu Summit, the Leaders have brought forward the timetable for the realisation of the ASEAN Community from 2020 to 2015. The EPG have therefore recommended that ASEAN's organisational structure be enhanced to support regional integration efforts, including strengthening the role of the ASEAN Secretariat and Secretary General, getting Leaders to meet more often, better coordination across member states, and efforts to mobilise resources to help narrow the developmental gap. Will the adoption of the Charter mark a change in ASEAN's principles of consensus and non-interference The principles of consensus and non-interference have served ASEAN well over the past four decades. They have made it possible for ASEAN countries to develop a sense of trust and understanding and pave the way for ASEAN cooperation as we know it today. At the same time, ASEAN recognises that times are changing; to the region is becoming more interdependent and face transboundary challenges such as the 1997 Asian financial crises, SARS, tsunami, avian influenza and haze that no one country can handle on its own. This will require ASEAN to calibrate or adjust its traditional policy of non-interference with member states collaborating more closely to tackle some of these new challenges. ASEAN must also respond more quickly to the demands of a dynamic and changing environment. While consensus as a principle should be upheld for particularly sensitive areas like security, defence and foreign policy, there are many functional areas where consensus would slow us down.”
“Update on the progress made in adopting an ASEAN Charter Last year, ASEAN Leaders tasked an Eminent Persons Group or EPG to recommend bold and visionary ideas of an ASEAN Charter. The Charter seeks to reposition ASEAN in the new strategic environment. As Members may know, DPM S Jayakumar was Singapore's representative to the EPG. This group of very senior statesmen, including former President Ramos, DPM Tun Musa Hitam and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, produced an excellent report. The ideas are bold yet practical. At the recent Cebu Summit, the Leaders gave their strong endorsement to the EPG report and have instructed a High Level Task Force to draft the Charter in time for ASEAN's 40th Anniversary Summit to be held in Singapore in November. The Charter can be expected to enter into force upon deposit of ratifications by all member states. Our representative on the High Level Task Force is Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh. In fact, they have just had their first meeting in Jakarta. What will the Charter achieve The Charter seeks to achieve two purposes. First, it seeks to transform ASEAN into a more effective organisation. It is clear that if ASEAN is to achieve its vision of an ASEAN Community, it cannot go on doing the same. It must implement the many agreements and declarations that its Leaders sign. This means that decisions taken must be treated seriously, ways must be found to enforce them and non-compliance must be frowned upon. As ASEAN matures as a regional organisation, it is only natural that it takes the next step of developing into a more rules-based organisation. Second, it seeks to give impetus to ASEAN's community building efforts. Over the years, ASEAN cooperation has expanded into many fields.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I am all in favour of providing sufficient funds for lift upgrading programmes. But I think it is important for us to be very rational in our responses towards reactions in Thailand. They are going through a difficult patch. In the run-up to the coup, there was a lot of unhappiness in Thailand. The coup itself has created a new drama. It is a tough period for them. We hope that they can return to Constitutional rule as quickly as possible with a government which ensures fairness and justice for the Thai people. Our hearts are with them and we wish them well. So it is certainly not in our interests to aggravate the situation by reacting in an emotional way. Column No : 1224 SUPER LUXURY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS (Measures to prevent excessive speculation) 7. Mr Alvin Yeo asked the Minister for National Development, in the light of the steep run up in prices for super luxury residential projects, whether there is a speculative "bubble" forming in that sector and whether any measures will be taken to prevent excessive speculation.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not have the figure with me right now. It is not so much the actual dollars and cents but the effort involved on both sides because many departments are covered in this programme. But over the years, this programme has generated considerable goodwill between Ministers, between counterpart agencies, and between civil servants. And while there might be some costs involved, I believe that they are a completely worthwhile investment in building up goodwill.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, relations between countries, even close neighbours and partners, sometimes have their ups and downs. The current state of our relations with Thailand has its basis in the complex dynamics of Thai domestic politics since the coup. We have to take the current unpleasantness in our stride. Our ties of friendship and cooperation with Thailand are profound and will withstand this present problem.”
“In the area of education, where Thailand has traditionally indicated the strongest interest to collaborate with Singapore, we have frequent exchanges between students and teachers from both sides through scholarships, courses, camps, school twinning programmes, and participation in each other's festivals. Other areas of cooperation over the years include exchanges in sectors such as health; social welfare, youth and sports; science and technology; manpower development; technical cooperation; the civil services and foreign ministries; media, arts and culture; land transport; legal and judicial; and information technology. So, on the whole, across a very wide range. Ms Lee has asked about the allegations by some quarters in Thailand that Thai national security was compromised because Singapore was using Temasek’s ownership of Thai telecommunication companies to eavesdrop on the communications of the Thai military by running their calls through Singapore. Well, in many countries around the world, there are telcos which have foreign ownership. In Thailand, there is another telco owned by a Norwegian company. We have explained – and those who are familiar with how modern telecommunications operate know – that it makes no technical or economic sense to route domestic calls within Thailand through Singapore. The Communications Authority of Thailand and the Telephone Organisation of Thailand, both state-owned enterprises of the Thai Government that provide international telecom services, as well as the Thai nationals who operate the Temasek-owned telcos, would obviously not allow such a thing to happen in any case. It would also have been absurd for Temasek to sully its reputation in this way.”
“Singapore values our friendship with Thailand and the mutually beneficial cooperation we have had over many years with many Thai administrations. The Civil Service Exchange Programme is one G-to-G cooperation initiative from which both Thailand and Singapore have benefited. Unfortunately, following Dr Thaksin’s visit, the Thai Government announced that it would suspend this programme. And in relation to that, they cancelled the Coordinating Meeting which was scheduled for late January in Bangkok, and they also dis-invited me from attending, which was a little sad. No other bilateral cooperation activities have been affected. As the Coordinating Meeting was meant to chart the exchange programme for this year and beyond, its cancellation means that no new programmes or projects have been drawn up. However, the activities which were agreed to earlier have carried on, notwithstanding the Thai Government’s suspension of the programme. In January, we hosted a study visit by 48 Thai doctors and nurses. We have also received requests from Thai schools and agencies, through the Thai Embassy here, for us to facilitate their study visits to Singapore next month. And we are happy that these are continuing. As for the other details of the exchange programme which Ms Lee requested - since the inception of the Civil Service Exchange Programme in 1998, at least 1,800 Thais have come to Singapore for various courses and exchange activities, while 750 Singaporeans have participated in exchange activities.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to take Ms Lee's two Questions together as they are related. First, let me put the issues in context. The Thai Government suspended the bilateral Civil Service Exchange Programme in reaction to the private visit of former Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin to Singapore, during which DPM Jayakumar hosted him to a private dinner. Dr Thaksin, an old friend of DPM Jayakumar, had asked to catch up with him. Out of goodwill for the Thai Government, we informed them of this prior to the visit, emphasising that this would be a private social engagement and that there would be no publicity. When the Thai Government lobbied us to cancel the dinner, we sought its understanding of Singapore's position. There was no reason for us to deny Dr Thaksin's entry into Singapore. He had a valid travel document; he was not a fugitive from Thai law. It is also not unusual for former political leaders to visit Singapore. Many have done so, including some former Thai leaders. And, of course, everyone knows that in Singapore, we welcome foreign visitors. So long as a visitor is not a fugitive, respects our laws and does not engage in political activities when he is here, we have no reason to turn him away when he flies into Singapore. DPM Jayakumar could not refuse to see his old friend for a meal. He has known Dr Thaksin for a long time and they have met many times before, even when Dr Thaksin was not in office. We are therefore saddened by the actions of the Thai Government and some quarters in Thailand in reaction to Dr Thaksin's visit. To begin with, it was the Thai side which made public DPM’s meeting with Dr Thaksin despite our assurance that it would be kept private and discreet.”
“Sir, when they are able to establish a case and provided we could be helpful to them, we have always been. But a lot of these comments are connected with their own domestic politics, and really we do not want to be too involved in their domestic politics. One reason why the extradition treaty is not easy to negotiate is because if they make a case for someone to be extradited from Singapore, then a course of defence would be whether proper procedures were observed in Indonesia, which means that, inevitably, a judge in Singapore would have to examine the conduct of their police and their judges. So, in the detailed negotiations of our extradition treaty with Indonesia, all these things would have to be taken into account, because the last thing we want is for an extradition treaty to complicate further our bilateral relations with them. Column No : 1219 ALLEGATION OF EAVESDROPPING AND SUSPENSION OF EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND THAILAND 5. Ms Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in light of a report that Thailand's national security was compromised by an alleged eavesdropping that involved Singapore (a) what is the Government’s official response to this very serious allegation of eavesdropping; and (b) whether any investigations have been conducted and, if so, what is the outcome. 6. Ms Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what are the government-to-government exchange programmes between Singapore and Thailand planned for 2007; (b) whether any of these government-to-government exchange programmes have been suspended by the Government of Thailand; (c) since when were these exchange programmes initiated; and (d) how many individuals have benefited from these programmes.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the day after those remarks were made by the Johor Menteri Besar, Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib immediately contradicted him and, indeed, when we were having our discussions over the effects of our reclamation on the Malaysian side, the issue of flooding in Malaysia had been extensively studied and found not to be an issue.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, we have always stated that our reclamation works would not be a factor in these negotiations.”
“That has always been our approach - to help our neighbours because we believe that their prosperity is also good for us.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there was a recent article in the Jakarta Post on 3rd February quoting Chief Executive of the Indonesian Maritime Security Coordinating Board, Vice Admiral Djoko Sumaryano, as linking the land sand ban to the ongoing border talks and the extradition treaty negotiations. Such a linkage, if true, would be unfortunate and counter-productive. Our border limitation talks are complicated enough and, if there is an additional linkage, it will only make the talks more difficult. As for the extradition treaty, Prime Minister Lee and President Yudhoyono had already agreed at their meeting in Bali on 3rd October 2005 that the extradition treaty and the defence cooperation agreement should be linked together and negotiated in parallel, as one package. The talks have made good progress, although there are still a few difficult issues to overcome. Singapore hopes that both agreements, as a package, could be concluded early. As to whether we should slow down the pace of our development in order to make our relations with our neighbours more comfortable, I think I fully agree with Ms Irene Ng that we should never do that. We should do what is in the interests of Singapore. Of course, where we can, we should help our neighbours in their economic development, and, indeed, we are. We have, for instance, a very special package to help the CMLV countries - Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam - and we have, over the years, programmes to assist Indonesia in its development. We have trained many of their officials. When they had the tsunami, we did not stint at all on our efforts to help them, and in so many other instances where we could, within our means, extended a helping hand.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, it is not for us to comment on the domestic politics of countries in the region. But our policy - and this is a steadfast one - is to have good relations with them and to build those relations on the basis of mutual benefit.”
“Our reclamation works, which are conducted within Singapore’s territorial waters, cannot affect those two Agreements and the demarcated boundaries. There are some areas at the two ends, near the tri-junctions which have not been demarcated, either bilaterally with Indonesia or Malaysia, or trilaterally with both countries. These will have to be demarcated through negotiations.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, as with Mr Mah Bow Tan, let me also begin by distinguishing sea sand from land sand. Although various comments have been made by Indonesian politicians and journalists, it is not at all clear how the mining of sea sand in the seas off the outer islands of Indonesia could have an impact on the maritime boundary between our two countries. In any case, such mining is entirely within the power of Indonesian authorities to control. As far as Singapore is concerned, we have not imported sea sand for our reclamation works from Indonesia since its export ban in February 2003. As Minister Mah said earlier, we have been using sea sand from other sources to carry out our reclamation projects. As for land sand, which we had continued to import from Indonesia till its recent ban, it is used for construction, not land reclamation. According to our contractors who imported the land sand from Indonesia, the sources of their Indonesian suppliers were from inland locations away from the border islands of Indonesia. It is therefore not possible for Indonesia’s export of land sand to affect its maritime boundaries. Our existing maritime boundaries with Indonesia had been settled under the 1973 Agreement Stipulating the Territorial Sea Boundary Lines between Indonesia and the Republic of Singapore in the Strait of Singapore. With Malaysia, our existing boundaries were settled by the 1995 Agreement between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Singapore to Delimit Precisely the Territorial Waters Boundary in Accordance with the Straits Settlements and Johore Territorial Waters Agreement 1927.”
“A lot of attention goes into the details and it is for this reason that we do not want just a cultural department, we need the whole of MFA to be culturally sensitive.”
“MFA has a good working relationship with MICA, so it is not necessary for us to set up a whole cultural division or department. And what is important is not only to have specialists. What is important is to have Foreign Service Officers who internalise culture, knowledge and sensitivities within themselves, in the way they conduct diplomacy because a large part of diplomacy is about understanding human beings, their fears and their hopes. It all comes back to culture. So, an effective diplomat is one who understands the culture of the person he deals with. Therefore, it is not accidental that if you look at our Ambassadors and High Commissioners, many of them have a personal interest in the arts. Quite a few are collectors, amateur collectors, like Professor Tommy Koh and Mr Peter Ho, the Permanent Secretary. Many of our ambassadors go out of their way to help artists, sometimes without informing MFA. All you have to do is to ask some of our artists who are overseas, ask them whether our Missions give their support - they always do. This year, we have a flurry of state visits. We have the Agong's visit, then we had the President of India who was here. King Sihamoni from Cambodia will be coming, followed by Queen Elizabeth, and then the Emperor of Japan. Different countries, different cultures, different civilisations - these are symbolic visits - the rituals and gestures are important and for each one of those visits, we are not robotic at all. I say, look, what is the history of the relationship, where do they come from, what are their likes and dislikes, their preferences, what will win over their hearts?”