KTMB station in Tanjong Pagar to relocate to Woodlands
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KTMB station in Tanjong Pagar to relocate to Woodlands by July 2011
SINGAPORE: Singapore and Malaysia capped a historic day in relations on Monday with agreement on a long outstanding bilateral issue.
After 20 years, both sides have arrived at a solution on the Malayan Railway Land in Singapore.
The leaders of the two countries agreed to move the station at the heart of the city centre in Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands Train checkpoint, near the border by the 1 July 2011.
The smiles said it all - of a retreat that has been fruitful with significant moves.
The centrepiece must surely be the issue of the railway land and lines, spelt out in the Points of Agreement (POA) signed in 1990.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: "Our focus has been developing our bilateral relationship at a time when we face many challenges in an uncertain and rapidly globalising world.
“There are many competitive alternative centres growing in Asia where we need to work together bilaterally in ASEAN and where we also need to clear issues which have been hanging over us for some time so that we can move forward and develop a win-win relationship.
“It is a matter for rejoicing. It is a good deal. Both sides are happy and this will benefit both sides considerably."
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak said: "A year ago, when we met, we decided that we wouldn't allow outstanding bilateral issues to be in the way of developing and strengthening bilateral ties and move forward in areas where we could achieve common agreement between our two sides.
“With that positive mindset in mind, we have achieved much within a year starting with the officials from both sides who have been working very hard to find a common ground.
“Today is quite historic because we see now the light at the end of the tunnel with respect to an outstanding issue which has been lingering for almost 20 years."
Having waited this long, the next move is to move fast.
PM Lee said: "There is urgency. This matter really cannot wait indefinitely because it is already 20 years. And there are many development projects in Singapore which have been held up because the POA has not been implemented as it should have been many years ago."
So the 1990 Points of Agreement has now been supplemented by new terms and conditions to maximise the potential of the Malayan Railway Lands in Singapore.
When the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB station) moves to the Woodlands train checkpoint by 1 July 2011, Malaysia will co-locate its railway Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facility there.
On its part, Singapore would ensure that there are bus services to connect KTMB station at Woodlands with a nearby MRT station for the convenience of train passengers.
Another key issue settled is the development of several land parcels linked to the train line.
Both countries will also set up a company known as M-S Pte Ltd by December 31 this year.
Malaysia will have a 60 per cent stake under Khazanah Nasional Berhard while Singapore will have a 40 per cent share to be held by Temasek Holdings.
This company will handle the joint development of three parcels of land in Tanjong Pagar, Kranji and Woodlands as well as another three pieces of land in Bukit Timah.
These land parcels could be swapped based on the equivalent value for pieces of land in Marina South and Ophir-Rochor.
Both sides will conduct valuation studies.
Prime Minister Lee will visit Kuala Lumpur within a month to discuss the land swap.
The transfer of the land parcel to M-S Pte Ltd will take effect at the time when KTMB vacates the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
Mr Lee added: "Land prices have been moving over this last one year. You have seen the property market is quite active. That is the reason why we did not settle the land swap today. I wanted an updated valuation.
“On the basis of updated valuations, we will make them an offer and it is up to them whether they want to take the offer for the swap. It is substantial. These are very valuable pieces of land if they are developed.
“And that is why the POA as it was and even more now as it has been updated and rounded up is a win- win proposal for both countries because it enables us to develop the land.
“It enables M-S Private Limited to share in the upside of the land which is KTM land and I think enables us to move forward in so many other areas to cooperate and work together for mutual benefit without having this outstanding issue always there a question mark. If you can't solve this, how can you talk about new things?”
"So with the understanding we have achieved at today's meeting, we can more or less say that the POA agreement with some enhanced features should be finally put to rest particularly when PM Lee meets me in a month's time.
“The spirit and political undertaking is to find a resolution on a mutually beneficial manner so that both countries can benefit the finalisation of the enhanced POA agreement."
Both leaders also agreed the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station's passenger terminal will be conserved given its historical significance. It will also be the centrepiece for the proposed new development on this site.
The job is now in the hands of a joint implementation team.
It has to complete its work by the December 31.
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Finally, the unbearable, unreasonable, muddled-head big bully beginning to see the light.
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PM Lee, PM Najib propose rapid transit link between Tanjung Puteri in JB & S'pore
SINGAPORE: The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have proposed the joint development of a rapid transit link between Tanjung Puteri, Johor Bahru and Singapore to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
A joint statement issued by Mr Lee Hsien Loong and Mr Najib Razak in Singapore on Monday said it will be integrated with public transport services in both Johor Bahru and Singapore.
For the convenience of commuters, the rapid transit system link will have a single co-located CIQ facility in Singapore with the exact location to be determined later.
The proposed rapid transit system link will be operational by 2018.
Thereafter, Malaysia may consider relocating the KTM Station from Woodlands to Johor.
A joint implementation team will further discuss the implementation details.
According to the statement, the team will complete its works by the end of the year.
It added that the outcome reached by the joint implementation team on the matters discussed should be reflected in a written instrument to be signed by both countries upon approval from their respective governments.
Both leaders agreed that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Passenger Terminal building would be conserved given its historical significance and would be a centerpiece for the new proposed development on the site.
In addition, the old Bukit Timah Railway Station building at Blackmore Drive can also be conserved.
Both leaders also discussed bilateral co-operation in the joint iconic project in Iskandar Malaysia.
They agreed that Khazanah Nasional and Temasek Holdings will form a 50-50 joint venture company to undertake the development of the iconic wellness township project in Iskandar Malaysia.
The project will involve the participation of private sectors from both countries.
Both leaders said they look forward to the launching of the project within a year.
Prime Minister Lee also informed his Malaysian counterpart that upon the expiry of the 1961 Water Agreement, Singapore would hand over the waterworks under the agreement to the Johor water authorities free of charge and in good working order.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the arrangements relating to the POA would facilitate resolution of the issue which has been outstanding for more than 19 years.
They also reaffirmed their commitment towards further strengthening bilateral relations and mutual collaboration in various areas. -
Malaysia will relocate its railway station near Singapore's central business district to an area close to one of the two bridges linking the two countries, freeing up land in the city-state for redevelopment.
Malaysia has sovereignty over the site on which the Tanjong Pagar station is located, as well as land on both sides of the railway tracks that run through Singapore, under agreements dating back to British colonial rule.
Singapore said in turn it would not seek to extend a water agreement dating back to 1961, which allowed the city-state to buy water from the southern Malaysian state of Johor at below-market rates.
Singapore will also hand over the waterworks it operates in Johor to the Malaysian state government when the current agreement lapses.
The agreement between the two countries emerged after a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-48742020100524
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Originally posted by 4sg:
Finally, the unbearable, unreasonable, muddled-head big bully beginning to see the light.
No choice mah, after all, they cannot threaten us with water issue, so have to kowtow abit to Singapore mah...got money offered ok...you think so simple ar?? -
They've no more bargaining chips against us.
Water agreement would be left to lapse.
Dr M is making himself look bad. If everything was settled back then, wonder how much KL govt is going to earn from the Marina Bay devt man.
now using new valuation.
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The next thing you'll know, Dr M will come out to make noise again.....but who cares....when u have no power.
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that is why he nicked as Dr big M...Mouth.
All these land and water issues are actually long discussed and settled, the Prime Ministers and gangs are there just for retreat, get away from wifes and enjoy each other company. More so, to the public, it sound like the PM LHL did a good job, but actually all the below subordinates had too long strenous days and hours to negiotate a win win situation.
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Originally posted by angel7030:
that is why he nicked as Dr big M...Mouth.
All these land and water issues are actually long discussed and settled, the Prime Ministers and gangs are there just for retreat, get away from wifes and enjoy each other company. More so, to the public, it sound like the PM LHL did a good job, but actually all the below subordinates had too long strenous days and hours to negiotate a win win situation.
but dearie angie, your mouth is also as biggie.........
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shhhh! keep it to yurself lah...
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Originally posted by sbst275:
They've no more bargaining chips against us.
Water agreement would be left to lapse.
Dr M is making himself look bad. If everything was settled back then, wonder how much KL govt is going to earn from the Marina Bay devt man.
now using new valuation.
More than bargaining chips.
I believe they finally caved-in because Singapore is promising to pump investment fund into Johor of which their projects have been in a limbo after the initial euphoric phase.
A Singapore investment into Malaysia always shores up polictical points for the ruling Barisan. Given the situation Barisan is in now, any political point, from anywhere is desparately needed. -
Originally posted by tarutaru:
The next thing you'll know, Dr M will come out to make noise again.....but who cares....when u have no power.
for tis issue, the more he blurts the more he makes himself look bad. -
Originally posted by 4sg:
More than bargaining chips.
I believe they finally caved-in because Singapore is promising to pump investment fund into Johor of which their projects have been in a limbo after the initial euphoric phase.
A Singapore investment into Malaysia always shores up polictical points for the ruling Barisan. Given the situation Barisan is in now, any political point, from anywhere is desparately needed.
I think it's also they realised in any way, the land tat is used by KTMB is 'rented'. Singapore is the eventual owner.Furthermore the railway land could be redeveloped - imagine how much its worth to them in RM.
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2018 complete, by the time in full function will be 2020, wonder if some old uncles can live long enuf to see it
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Originally posted by 4sg:
but dearie angie, your mouth is also as biggie.........
the size of mouth reflect the size of the person genital.....
She has not even sat a train from Tanjong Pagar......to KL.....
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Originally posted by Arapahoe:
the size of mouth reflect the size of the person genital.....
She has not even sat a train from Tanjong Pagar......to KL.....
Tg pagar got train to KL meh, i thot it is LKY place..."the size of mouth reflect the size of the person genital....."
, you must hv tested alot -
Originally posted by angel7030:
Tg pagar got train to KL meh, i thot it is LKY place..."the size of mouth reflect the size of the person genital....."
, you must hv tested alot
i believe in Hockien is call "Tao Kan"yours is the biggerest in this forum.
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Now Msia..... U can start wondering why Mr M cannot agree on the POA and Mr N can? Same agreement ...but after 20 years . Mr N know Mr M reason for refusing is purely jealousy.. want to slow or interupt neighbour progressing but after 20 years....neighbours still progress by leap and bound while mr M country still a with small neglible progress
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Originally posted by Arapahoe:
i believe in Hockien is call "Tao Kan"yours is the biggerest in this forum.
that's hock chew....not hokkien -
Look like Angel are very familiar with KY genetial....maybe she have not seen Mr M.... bo LB....so don mention at all.
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Originally posted by mspbeckham:
Now Msia..... U can start wondering why Mr M cannot agree on the POA and Mr N can? Same agreement ...but after 20 years . Mr N know Mr M reason for refusing is purely jealousy.. want to slow or interupt neighbour progressing but after 20 years....neighbours still progress by leap and bound while mr M country still a with small neglible progress
Dr M is not a fan of capitialists, Singapore being a captilist country where the rich get sricher and the elite gets more elited, is not in the idealogy of Dr M.In fact, if you look at Malaysia where Dr M ruled for many years, he managed to reduce the income gap, removed the sultans rights, created jobs for the poors and controlled the financial insitutions before falling into foreign hands. Jealousy is not a good word to use on Dr. M. Singapore is uniquely small, the ability of our govt to rule this country cannot compare to leaders of other countries who have to rule a large population with a large land and borders. LKY may not even survive till today if he is to rule Malaysia, indonesia or thailand..sometime, it is of good luck that he landed here, a small land with a small population and a very high paid
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If LKY rule Msia...Msia will be no 1 in Asia....ruling small or big is the methods.
Mr M cannot even control his deputy PM...how to control country (unless blackmailing...just like all his ministers and sulan has something for Mr M to blackmail to submission)......
If KLIA Airport like Changi...it will be No 1
If MAS like SIA...it will be No 1
If Port Msia like PSA....it will be No 1
If table tennis like S'pore....it will be world champ (yesterday news)
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Mr M will not survive if not for thier citizen not so literate. He just governing a bunch of fools...Also, luckily when he become PM, Petronas found oil and giving him the gold mind to spent.....recently paper reported Msia to become bankrupt by 2020....bcos Mr M anyhow spent billions to benefit his cronies and his families.... Mr M can survive in Msia... but will be kick out if he would be born here..... just like Dr Chee. Big M
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Originally posted by mspbeckham:
Mr M will not survive if not for thier citizen not so literate. He just governing a bunch of fools...Also, luckily when he become PM, Petronas found oil and giving him the gold mind to spent.....recently paper reported Msia to become bankrupt by 2020....bcos Mr M anyhow spent billions to benefit his cronies and his families.... Mr M can survive in Msia... but will be kick out if he would be born here..... just like Dr Chee. Big M
Same goes to LKY, without these stupid Singaporeans keep paying high cost to support his programmes and paid, guai guai and obedient as alway, LKY would had long gone back to cambridge and make love there. So it is not that Dr M have the luck, so is LKY, he takes the luck and chances of his time well, coalition with the British at the right time, take on his once supporting colleagues into detention without trial and remorse, thereby remove his enemity entirely without a single revoke from the peoples, so good. Where to find such citizens so guai guai, if LKY is in my taiwan, he long long sit inside the detention with Ah bian liao -
Originally posted by mspbeckham:
If LKY rule Msia...Msia will be no 1 in Asia....ruling small or big is the methods.
Mr M cannot even control his deputy PM...how to control country (unless blackmailing...just like all his ministers and sulan has something for Mr M to blackmail to submission)......
If KLIA Airport like Changi...it will be No 1
If MAS like SIA...it will be No 1
If Port Msia like PSA....it will be No 1
If table tennis like S'pore....it will be world champ (yesterday news)
if he rules malaysia, the malaysia malay would had destroyed him, either with direct confrontasi or by the jihad