Singapore-Malaysia Relations in 2024: A Positive Start

A Promising Start to Bilateral Relations in 2024 The strong commitment of Singapore and Malaysia to strengthen bilateral relations was evident in a ceremony held at the site of the RTS Link Marine Viaduct along the Straits of Johor to mark the completion of the main connecting span in December 2023. [...] Likewise, the signing of the MoU on the JS-SEZ on the same day showed mutual commitment to deepening economic cooperation as the signing took place just two months after the 10th Annual Leaders’ Retreat. [...] Sultan of Johor: The Agong’s Role in Singapore-Malaysia Relations Successive changes in Malaysian governments since the fall of the Barisan Nasional regime in the 2018 general elections had led to disruptions in the implementation of existing bilateral agreements, such as the shelved Malaysia-Singapore HSR project. [...] The ascension of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor to the throne as the 17th Yang Di- Pertuan Agong (king) of Malaysia on 31 January 2024 may support the stability of the unity government and the continuity of its policies toward Singapore. [...] Overall, the positive developments in diplomatic ties over the past year have infused optimism for the upcoming 11th Annual Leaders’ Retreat in Malaysia and in the run- up to the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.