Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is in town for his first official visit to Singapore since becoming Prime Minister the second time round.

Political observers had wondered if Mahathir would keep up his fiery rhetoric during his meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Instead, he struck a conciliatory tone, focusing on cooperation and the mutual good between the two neighbouring countries.

Competition, but also cooperation

According to Malaysian state news agency Bernama, Mahathir said there was natural competition between them, but it could have positive effects:

"There will also be competition but the competition is always healthy. It helps us to really make any effort to win in any competition. This will help us grow even faster."

From competition to cooperation, Mahathir described the close links between the two countries and their economies that have grown over the years, and highlighted how they could help each other for a win-win outcome:

"Singapore has got no hinterland but must regard Malaysia as its hinterland.

On the other hand, for a very long time Malaysia had to depend on Singapore for its exports and imports because Singapore has developed into a great port that is comparable to the greatest in the world."

Singapore is Malaysia's second largest trading partner, recording S$108.2 billion in total merchandise trade in 2017.

According to The Straits Times, PM Lee said much the same in his own speech, referring to interdependence between both countries:

"Singapore and Malaysia will always have a unique place for each other in our hearts, and because of our proximity and interdependence, we will always have an interest in each other's development and success."

Friends help each other

But aside from their trading relationship, Mahathir mentioned the "assistance" that Singapore had afforded its larger neighbour.

Said Mahathir, first referring to our tumultuous history:

"It is not often that you see countries which came together and then separated, and still able to work together and help each other."

He added:

"We will always appreciate that. If there is any way we can return the hospitality, we will try to do so."

Possible reference to HSR

Mahathir didn't mention specifics, but he might be referring to the recent suspension of the construction of the High Speed Rail between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

In September 2018, Singapore agreed to suspend the project, in exchange for abortive costs of S$15 million.

Mahathir had previously said that Malaysia could not afford to go ahead with the project at the moment as it aims to reduce its federal debt.

Or it could be in relation to Singapore supplying water to Johor in times of need.

Close relationship

PM Lee shared a personal story in his speech about childhood trips he took to Malaysia with the late-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew:

"My first family trips with my parents were to Cameron Highlands. We would drive up to Kuala Lumpur, taking most of a day, and break journey overnight, staying at the Railway Station Hotel because I was interested in trains."

He shared how the Lee family would then drive from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands the next morning, stopping by the town of Bidor, Perak for a meal of wonton noodles with prawns caught from the nearby mining ponds.

Said PM Lee:

"Our relationship is further strengthened by bonds of kinship, friendship and memories. We all have friends and relatives who live, study or work across the Causeway, and we feel at home when we visit each other."

Sincere visit to Malaysia

On a similar personal note, Mahathir noted that PM Lee was the second leader to visit him in Putrajaya following the success of his political coalition, the Pakatan Harapan, in the 14th Malaysian general elections.

Said Mahathir:

"Of course it was not a formal visit; no parade or inspection of guard of honour but nevertheless, the reception was as sincere as it could be.

He described the two countries as twins -- albeit with one twin slightly older and bigger than the other.

Said Mahathir:

And we expect this close relations which started almost immediately after the new government took over will continue to be very close and cooperative. I hope this visit will cement the strong relations between our two countries and grow further."

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Top image vai PM Lee Hsien Loong