Despite a frequently tumultuous relationship over issues ranging from water to sand and from tge air to sea, Batu Putih will remain just another 'pebble' in the history of ties between Malaysia and Singapore.

rais yatim After a luncheon with media bosses in Wisma Putra today, Foreign Affairs Minister Rais Yatim reiterated the stance of both governments that, whatever the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decides, their ties will not be severed.

“Whatever the decision, we will accept it,” Rais told reporters.

His Singaporean counterpart George Yeo was of the same opinion , saying: “Nothing should change” because the two countries had agreed to refer the issue to the ICJ.

He added that the lighthouse sited on Batu Putih would benefit both the countries and the vessels plying the route, whoever owns it.

ICJ will rule on May 23 on jurisdiction over islands claimed by both Singapore and Malaysia, the tribunal had announced yesterday.

The two neighbours had asked the court in The Hague in 2003 to decide on sovereignty over the tiny island, known as Pedra Branca to Singapore, and its rocky outcrops, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

Hearings began last November and the countries have pledged to abide by the court's decision.

The issue of Pedra Branca is one of many that awaits resoultion by the two nations. Bilateral ties have often been stormy since Singapore was ejected from the Malaysian Federation in 1965 over ethnic issues.

But their relationship has undergone a marked improvement since Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took office in 2003.

Three-point strategy

At the luncheon, Rais reminded media chiefs of their role and responsibilities in the face of recent events.

internet media and print media He said that traditional media is now in greater competition with online news portals, blogs and websites. In the face of stagnant or shrinking readership, they should exercise greater care in their reports.

In the same respect, the foreign ministry will also refine its role in the fast changing world. To address this, the ministry has outlined three immediate items, said Rais.

Its first priority will be to safeguard the nation’s image by drawing up a communication strategy; and the second is to ensure that Malaysian missions abroad ensure that any necessary assistance is rendered to Malaysians who need it.

The ministry’s third priority will be to sharpen the overall skills of Malaysian diplomats, so that they are proficient in the use of international languages and have sufficient knowledge of global economic matters.

Rais told reporters that the prime minister will cut down his overseas assignments this year.

“Apart from the OIC and Asean matters, there are too many international invitations every year,” he said.

“After our discussion, the prime minister has decided to cut back on unnecessary ones. The deputy prime minister and relevant ministers will attend such functions instead.”