Malaysia and Singapore today signed an agreement to submit a territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar (left) and his Singaporean counterpart S Jayakumar signed the agreement in Putrajaya.

The agreement, which needs to be ratified by both countries, binds the neighbours to bring to the ICJ their dispute over the islet of Pedra Branca, which Malaysia calls Pulau Batu Puteh.

Two other rocky outcrops, Middle Rock and South Ledge, are also covered by the agreement.

"We are happy (that) finally we have reached this stage. By having signed this agreement, the next stage is for both governments to ratify the agreement," said Syed Hamid (photo).

"I agree that the signing is an important event. We both agree that the ratification should be done expeditiously," added Jayakumar.

"The agreement is significant because Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to resolve the issue amicably. This is an important approach, I hope this will characterise other disputes such as the water issue," he said.

Though tiny and with no resources, Pulau Batu Puteh is significant for its strategic position and impact o­n territorial sea boundaries.

It is 7.7 nautical miles from Johor and 25 nautical miles from Singapore.

The dispute arose in 1979 when Malaysia published its continental shelf map showing the island as its territory.

Singapore, which lodged a protest in1980, asserts that it has sovereignty because it has maintained the Horsburgh Lighthouse there since 1851.

Maintain status quo

Both countries maintained today they would continue to exercise their rights o­n the island until a decision is made by the ICJ.

Jayakumar said the question of joint patrols had not arisen, adding that the present status quo must be maintained.

However, Syed Albar said Malaysia considered the islet part of its territory.

"Our position now is no different. The status quo must be maintained unless the world court alters the status quo by ownership, control and sovereignty.

"Anyone who wants to visit the island needs to make an application," said Jayakumar.

Syed Albar retorted: "It does not mean o­nce you are there, it belongs to you. I think it is important for us to manage the issue. Therefore all ensuing activities will be according to what we consider as our sovereign rights."

Malaysia and Singapore would need to coordinate and discuss with each other how the two countries should exercise their rights to the island for the time being, he added. - AFP