The 1962 Water Agreement forms part of the bedrock of Singapore’s relations with Malaysia. And legally, Singapore’s position, that Malaysia has lost the right to review the price of water under the agreement, remains unchanged. However, the Government has said it is prepared to discuss issues relating to the agreement, including the price, yield and quality of water from the Johor River. Water is, after all, one of many issues on which the two countries collaborate, and it is not right for a single issue to colour a multifaceted relationship that is beneficial overall. Hence the need to see how both countries can cooperate and resolve issues for mutual benefit as a legacy to future generations on both sides.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan shone light in Parliament on the status quo regarding the water situation by reiterating these fundamental aspects of the Singapore-Malaysia relationship. Those ties must be based on clear regard for the sanctity of signed agreements. Singapore’s position on the Water Agreement is consonant with its general stand on treaties, which is that signatories must fulfil their obligations under them in letter and in spirit. Otherwise, international agreements would lose their credibility, undermining the rule of law that contributes to mutually beneficial relations among countries. The sanctity of the Water Agreement must remain the basis on which bilateral negotiations proceed. Countries can choose, together, to renegotiate what they have signed, but no side can abrogate its existing obligations unilaterally.