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‘Completely legitimate’ for Malaysia to develop Middle Rocks within international law: Ng Eng Hen

SINGAPORE — The Malaysian government’s plan to expand Middle Rocks into an island is “completely legitimate” if it complies with international law, said Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Sunday (June 03).

Malaysia has constructed a maritime base on Middle Rocks comprising a jetty linking the two main outcrops, a lighthouse and a helipad. The base lies close to Singapore's Pedra Branca, which can be seen at the bottom of this photo.

Malaysia has constructed a maritime base on Middle Rocks comprising a jetty linking the two main outcrops, a lighthouse and a helipad. The base lies close to Singapore's Pedra Branca, which can be seen at the bottom of this photo.

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SINGAPORE — The Malaysian government’s plan to expand Middle Rocks into an island is “completely legitimate” if it complies with international law, said Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Sunday (June 03).

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said last week that Malaysia wanted to enlarge Middle Rocks, which consists of two clusters of rocks 1km south of Singapore's Pedra Branca, so as to “form a small island”.

Asked about this, Dr Ng, who is the first Singapore leader to comment on the issue, said: “I think it is completely legitimate, as long as it complies with international law.”

Speaking to the media at the close of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, he noted that all countries have a right to develop and do what is necessary for their own needs.

“I think it’s legitimate. For them, they feel that they need to develop it. I think it’s good they have said so publicly, so that we all understand each other's positions,” he said.

“Just as Singapore will want to develop various aspects as we've done, in terms of our islands, for domestic or civilian or security needs.”

Malaysia currently has a maritime base, called Abu Bakar, on Middle Rocks, which lies at the opening of one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The base comprises a jetty linking the two main outcrops - some 320 metres apart - a lighthouse and a helipad.

In announcing Malaysia’s plans on Wedneday (May 30), Dr Mahathir said: "We have already built features there on Middle Rocks. Our intention is to enlarge it so that we can form a small island for us.

"That is something we are thinking of," he said, when pressed to clarify Malaysia's plans. "We haven't made a full decision yet."

Analysts have said that the plan is an attempt by Putrajaya to burnish its nationalist credentials and assert its sovereignty over the maritime feature following its withdrawal of a challenge on an international court ruling on Pedra Branca.

They added that while the move appears within Malaysia’s legal rights, carrying it out could have a negative impact on ties with Singapore.

Asked about Malaysia’s plans to expand Middle Rocks, a spokesman for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said on Thursday: “Sovereignty over Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia. We have no comments on Malaysia’s activities on Middle Rocks as long as they are in accordance with international law.”

Prior to Dr Mahathir’s announcement, Malaysia had on May 28 withdrawn two filings challenging the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s 2008 ruling awarding sovereignty of Pedra Branca to Singapore.

The court ruled that sovereignty over the Middle Rocks belongs to Malaysia.

No reason was given for Malaysia’s decision to drop its challenge.

Earlier on Sunday, Dr Ng met newly-appointed Malaysian Defence Minister, Mr Mohamad Sabu, on the sidelines of the annual security dialogue.

A Ministry of Defence statement said that both ministers affirmed the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as the two countries’ cooperation in various regional multilateral platforms.

They also discussed regional challenges such as the situation in the Rakhine State, the statement added.

Dr Ng told reporters that his meeting with Mr Mohamad “went wonderfully” and besides their "serious discussions" on defence issues, the two also talked about the good food in Singapore and Malaysia.

“That reflects the warmth between Singaporeans and Malaysians in general. We have a lot in common,” said Dr Ng, adding he was also very assured by his Malaysian counterpart’s statements on the importance of the Five Power Defence Agreement and Malaysia’s commitment to improve defence ties.

“It was a very good start, a very warm start, and I think we'll get along.”

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