Abdullah, Hsien Loong May Dwell On Bilateral Issues - Syed Hamid

KOTA TINGGI, May 1 (Bernama) -- Though no fixed agenda has been set, issues on bilateral ties may be discussed in talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong in Langkawi in mid-May, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said today.
"It's up to the prime minister to decide on the issues to be raised in his meeting with Lee," he told reporters before attending the Kota Tinggi Umno division meeting. Syed Hamid is the division head.
Asked whether the two prime ministers would dwell on the outstanding issues between the two neighbours, Syed Hamid said it was up to the two leaders.
He said the May 15 meeting comes at a time when bilateral ties between the two countries were at its best.
Besides Lee, the Singapore delegation to the one-day meeting would comprise foreign, transport and defence ministers, among others, he said.
He said Malaysia often held informal meetings such as this with Asean members. It had held similar meetings with Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei.
As to the overlapping claims on Pulau Batu Putih by both Malaysia and Singapore referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, Netherlands, Syed Hamid said the hearing is expected to begin in November.
"We hope the issue can be settled soon. Both countries will accept ICJ's verdict on the dispute," he said.
Syed Hamid said his ministry was the lead agency assisting staff of the Attorney-General's Chambers and Queen's Council to gather documents and evidence to prove that the island, located not far from Pengerang, Johor, was Malaysia's.
Collecting of documents and information was in the final stages, he said.
Syed Hamid said Malaysia's team to fight the case in the ICJ would be led by Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister.
He will be assisted by lawyers who are experts in international laws, he added.

tunku : well if the bilateral ties between the two countries are at its best, hope that pak lah can resolve all the outstanding issue with singapore, i hope quality time spend during this one day meeting, hopefully without GOLF.It's high time for malaysia to stand up and get it;s RIGHT.