'It must never be a purely transactional relationship': President Tharman on S'pore-M'sia bilateral ties

Singapore's relationship with Malaysia is a unique one that dates back centuries, and which has brought mutual benefits and development to both countries, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

But it "has never been, and must never be, a purely transactional relationship," he stressed.

In an interview with Malaysian media outlet Bernama published on Jul. 12, President Tharman spoke about the bilateral ties between both countries, particularly against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty and conflict.

The president will be on a state visit to Malaysia from Jul. 12 to 15, 2026, on the invitation of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Agong (King) of Malaysia.

In 2024, he hosted the king for a state visit to Singapore.

Ties of history and pragmatism

The interview opened with questions about the future of Singapore-Malaysia relations, and the significance and symbolism of his visit.

The state visit is part of a "longstanding tradition", which demonstrates the importance both countries place on bilateral relations, President Tharman said.

Apart from shared culture and history, he pointed to both countries' highly integrated, mutually beneficial economies.

He cited the Johor-Singapore Causeway, the world's busiest land border crossing, as an example of this relationship.

And while Singapore and Malaysia may disagree occasionally — "as is natural between close neighbours" — both countries must nonetheless continue to work through their differences, he said.

"It is precisely that approach, of addressing differences squarely rather than ignoring them... that has built trust and goodwill over time."

Mutual respect

Over the past 60 years, both countries have built up a partnership through mutual respect and understanding of each other's interests.

This accumulated trust is particularly important in an increasingly troubled world, he said.

"It is no secret that Singapore and Malaysia have over the years had to sort out a number of sensitive and complex bilateral issues," he continued.

"Yet, successive governments on both sides have consistently chosen not to be bogged down by these issues.

Instead, we have sought to resolve them calmly, based on mutual respect and adherence to international law."

Singapore and Malaysia's example of diplomacy "reinforces the importance of dialogue, restraint, respect for sovereignty, and abiding by a rules-based order".

Such an approach is especially relevant amid growing global turbulence, the president noted.

Working together

Beyond agreements like Asean's Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), President Tharman said both countries are making joint investments for the future.

This includes the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the RTS Link.

With a fractured global trade system, it is imperative that both countries deepen integration within the region, joining up their markets to increase their value proposition to the world.

While it may come naturally the earlier generations, regular engagement on both sides should now be "encouraged and facilitated pro-actively", he added.

This includes a greater take-up of bilateral exchange programmes, joint internships, youth leadership forums, and collaborative community projects.

Friendliness of Malaysians leaves the deepest impression

On a more personal note, Tharman was asked about his favourite Malaysian food and memorable experiences from his past trips to Malaysia.

Tharman replied: "Of course, Malaysian food has always been appealing, with different states having their own slant on dishes that are also favourites in Singapore, like laksa."

But he remarked that the natural warmth and friendliness of Malaysians had left the deepest impression on him.

"I will never forget the days I spent with villagers in Kedah’s rice-growing heartland, almost 50 years ago."

He said these interactions showed him "how generous and kind the human spirit could be".

He concluded the interview with the phrase "jiran sepakat membawa berkat" — Malay for "neighbours in agreement bring blessings" — calling it apt to his state visit.

"Malaysia and Singapore have found in each other a reliable friend and partner. Our cooperation over 60 years has brought mutual benefit and development to both our countries.

We should keep that basic belief in our minds: we are each better for working together, respecting, and having affection for each other.

Let our hearts shake hands."