The Malay media in Malaysia has been criticised by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jayakumar for what he called 'war-mongering' reports carried by them.

Rapping the Malay language newspapers for such reports, Jayakumar said they can o­nly be designed to stir up animosities in Malaysia's Malay population against Singapore.

"Loose talk of war is irresponsible and dangerous. It whips up emotions that could become difficult to control," he said in the Singapore parliament o­n Saturday in response to articles in the Malaysian media o­n the current dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Pedra Branca or Pulau Batu Puteh.

He said such provocative actions were not o­nly senseless but dangerous. "Senseless because both sides have agreed to refer to the dispute to the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and such actions cannot affect the decision of ICJ.

"Dangerous because of the risk of accidents that may not o­nly cause loss of life but also cause serious damage to naval vessels with unforeseeable consequences," he said.

Costly consequences

Jayakumar was also quoted by Bernama as saying that it was in the overwhelming national interest of both countries to avoid escalating tensions and conflicts as the consequences could be costly for both.

"Prime Minister Mahathir (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) said that Malaysia would respect international law o­n territorial disputes and avoid any confrontation with Singapore o­n Pedra Branca. This is also Singapore's position," he said.

On bilateral relations with Malaysia, he stressed that it was Singapore's desire to have good, not strained, relations with Malaysia as "there is much that both countries can gain by working together. Our common interests far exceed our bilateral differences."

Noting that Singapore's relationship with Malaysia, would be difficult from time to time, he said, "What is important is that we stay calm and rational through these periodic cycles of ups and downs."