“But we have been able to live together on reasonably harmonious terms,” he said in his speech at the official lunch hosted for him and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching, at The Istana here.
Mahathir, who is in Singapore for a two-day official visit, said it was not often that countries which came together and then separated could still work together and offer mutual assistance.
He also voiced appreciation for the help extended by Singapore during Malaysia’s recent financial troubles.
“We will always appreciate that. If there is any way we can return the hospitality, we will try to do so,” he said.
Although he did not go into any details on the matter, he was believed to be referring to Singapore agreeing to postpone construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project until the end of May 2020.
Following Malaysia’s request for the deferment of the project, the government agreed to pay an abortive cost of S$15 million (RM45.4 million) to the Singapore government by Jan 31, 2019.
Mahathir said the most important thing was to continue good relations as there would always be some differences between the two countries.
“There will also be competition but this is always healthy. It helps us really make an effort to win in any competition. This will help us grow even faster,” he said.
‘Malaysia is Singapore’s hinterland’
According to him, Malaysia and Singapore are mutually dependent.
“Singapore has 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 had developed into a great port that is comparable to the greatest in the world.”
Mahathir added that Malaysia needed the services of Singapore’s port and other services related to trade and industry.
Singapore is Malaysia’s second largest trading partner after China. Total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2017 stood at RM220.88 billion, representing 12.9% of Malaysia’s global trade.
Mahathir also said he was “very glad” to have the opportunity to discuss with Lee on how to improve relations between the two countries.
He noted that Lee was the second leader to visit Malaysia after his coalition’s victory in the 14th general election.
“Of course, it was not a formal visit. There was no parade or inspection of guard of honour but, nevertheless, the reception was as sincere as it could be.”