While acknowledging that Malaysia had taken steps to de-escalate on the ground by withdrawing one vessel from Singaporean waters, Khaw said Malaysia had still not agreed to withdraw completely.
This, he said, created “an unnecessary risk of an accidental escalation” on the ground.
“We are committed to talks, and we will talk. That has always been our attitude. Peaceful resolution is always the best way forward,” he said of the talks set to take place in the second week of January.
“My worry all the time is that accidents can happen. These are big ships. A few thousand tonnes.
“Since they move at great speed, you do not know what will happen. It may not be intended, but if accidents happen, then what?
“We strongly urge Malaysia to withdraw its vessels from Singaporean waters.
“Otherwise, this risk is also not conducive to the upcoming bilateral discussions we are going to hold next month,” he told reporters in Singapore today, in response to a query on whether Singapore was setting the complete withdrawal of Malaysian vessels as a condition for the talks between both countries.
FMT has obtained a recording of the press conference.
Khaw said Singapore valued its bilateral relations with Malaysia, which was why “we are trying our best to find a peaceful solution to the current dispute”.
“We explained to them that stationing their ships in our waters does not make an iota of a difference to their legal claim. It doesn’t enhance their legal case.
“We acknowledge this legal point. We are committed to taking all effective measures to de-escalate on the ground.
“This is a good move in the right direction. We too intend to manage this dispute in a calm and peaceful manner,” he said.
On whether this was the lowest point in bilateral relations between both countries since Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first stint as prime minister, Khaw said this did not matter.
“Yes, neighbours will always have disputes. It is how you address them. We always have the hope and optimism that something better can come out of it.
“Let me sit down with you and understand. That was how I worked with minister Azmin Ali on the high-speed rail project. We could’ve taken a completely legalistic approach to the project. We chose not to.
“I am sure it can be applied to other sectors too, but if they prefer to do something else, then that’s a different approach. We have options too,” he added.
Of late, tensions between the two neighbours have heightened over claims of territorial intrusions. Putrajaya has complained of airspace intrusions while Singapore has complained of sea intrusions.