Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5

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STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROF S JAYAKUMAR

The Government of Singapore notes the statement by the Malaysian Government which accepted Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's unreserved apology and which viewed positively his intention to delete the offending statement on Johor from his affidavit.

The statement on Johor in Mr Lee Kuan Yew's affidavit was made by him personally in actions by him against Mr Tang Liang Hong for defamation. He was suing in his private capacity to defend his personal reputation and to enforce his personal rights. The affidavit was not made by Mr Lee Kuan Yew as Senior Minister, nor did he make it on behalf of the Government of Singapore.

The Government of Singapore is surprised that the Malaysian Government has stated that "restoration of the old level of relationship would take time".

The Government of Singapore has always attached importance to its relations with Malaysia and will work with the Malaysian Government to enhance this relationship. We believe that cooperation between the two countries can only result in a win-win situation.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS