PM Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian PM Najib Razak at the 8th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on 16 January 2018
Singapore, Malaysia ink bilateral agreement to build rapid transit link
This and other bilateral projects on the cards underscore excellent ties, say PM Lee, Najib
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
Seven years from now, Singaporeans and Malaysians will be able to hop on an MRT train every eight minutes to get across the border.
The completion of this Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, following the signing of a legally binding agreement yesterday, is expected to ease the daily congestion at the Causeway.
Other bilateral projects on the cards include schemes to raise the water levels in Johor's Linggiu Reservoir to meet the needs of both countries. And one possibility is a joint hydrometric modelling study of the Johor River.
These projects underscore the excellent relations between their countries, prime ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak said, adding that ties will not be affected by domestic developments on either side, including an imminent general election in Malaysia.
Datuk Seri Najib, when asked for his outlook on bilateral ties this year, said: "I don't expect elections to change the nature of relations between our two countries."
Mr Lee said Singapore and Malaysia are constantly looking for new areas of cooperation. "It is a sign of our confidence in each other's future, and commitment to good relations with one another."
The two leaders discussed various issues, including water supply, during their eighth Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat at the Istana yesterday.
Singapore, Malaysia ink bilateral agreement to build rapid transit link
This and other bilateral projects on the cards underscore excellent ties, say PM Lee, Najib
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
The completion of this Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, following the signing of a legally binding agreement yesterday, is expected to ease the daily congestion at the Causeway.
Other bilateral projects on the cards include schemes to raise the water levels in Johor's Linggiu Reservoir to meet the needs of both countries. And one possibility is a joint hydrometric modelling study of the Johor River.
These projects underscore the excellent relations between their countries, prime ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Najib Razak said, adding that ties will not be affected by domestic developments on either side, including an imminent general election in Malaysia.
Datuk Seri Najib, when asked for his outlook on bilateral ties this year, said: "I don't expect elections to change the nature of relations between our two countries."
Mr Lee said Singapore and Malaysia are constantly looking for new areas of cooperation. "It is a sign of our confidence in each other's future, and commitment to good relations with one another."
The two leaders discussed various issues, including water supply, during their eighth Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat at the Istana yesterday.
They noted that demand for water from Linggui Reservoir will rise as more developments come up in Iskandar, Johor, and Singapore.
Although the reservoir has filled up in the past year, it is unclear when the next prolonged dry spell will hit, Mr Lee noted.
Mr Najib said a detailed hydrometric study will be commissioned to produce technical proposals "to increase the water supply for both Singapore and Johor".
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of the RTS Link agreement by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan, who is also Transport Minister, and Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan. This is the second agreement in two years, following the 2016 pact to build a high-speed rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Construction of the 4km link is expected to begin next year.
Mr Lee said the cross-border service will benefit thousands of daily commuters. "It will provide a convenient means for Johoreans to come to Singapore to work or to play, and Singaporeans to go to Johor to study, to work, to shop," he added.
Mr Najib said the link will provide "seamless connectivity" and the required capacity.
Up to 10,000 passengers an hour can travel in each direction between Johor's Bukit Chagar terminus station and the Singapore terminus in Woodlands North, where it will join the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
When the RTS Link begins service, commuters can hop on a train every eight minutes on average.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of the RTS Link agreement by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Khaw Boon Wan, who is also Transport Minister, and Malaysia's Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan. This is the second agreement in two years, following the 2016 pact to build a high-speed rail line between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Construction of the 4km link is expected to begin next year.
Mr Lee said the cross-border service will benefit thousands of daily commuters. "It will provide a convenient means for Johoreans to come to Singapore to work or to play, and Singaporeans to go to Johor to study, to work, to shop," he added.
Mr Najib said the link will provide "seamless connectivity" and the required capacity.
When the RTS Link begins service, commuters can hop on a train every eight minutes on average.
Trains will eventually arrive every four minutes on average during peak periods. The line will start with five trains, and gradually have a total fleet of seven trains.
Commuters can transfer to the TEL concourse via an underground link, without having to exit the RTS station.
On how both sides will ensure the RTS Link and high-speed rail line will not be affected by political and other changes, Mr Lee said the long-term commitment has been formalised in the binding agreement signed yesterday.
On how both sides will ensure the RTS Link and high-speed rail line will not be affected by political and other changes, Mr Lee said the long-term commitment has been formalised in the binding agreement signed yesterday.
"Whoever is the government on either side, this is an agreement which they inherit... If a subsequent government has other ideas, well, that will have to be dealt with and the agreement will deal with these contingencies," he added.
Commuters like Ms Chen Zihui who travel regularly to Johor Baru look forward to the RTS.
The 26-year-old bank associate visits her family in Johor Baru every weekend. "Sometimes, I get caught in the jam at the Causeway," she said of the two-hour commute by bus or taxi. "I hope the RTS will reduce my travel time to Johor Baru."
Additional reporting by Seow Bei Yi
Commuters like Ms Chen Zihui who travel regularly to Johor Baru look forward to the RTS.
The 26-year-old bank associate visits her family in Johor Baru every weekend. "Sometimes, I get caught in the jam at the Causeway," she said of the two-hour commute by bus or taxi. "I hope the RTS will reduce my travel time to Johor Baru."
Additional reporting by Seow Bei Yi
Malaysia's polls will not affect Singapore ties, joint projects: Najib
Singapore has every intention of implementing what both nations have committed to, says PM Lee
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
Malaysia's upcoming general election will not have an impact on relations with Singapore, as well as the projects that both sides are working on together, said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
At yesterday's joint press conference by both countries' leaders after the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat, Datuk Seri Najib and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were asked about the outlook on ties in the coming year, in view of domestic developments.
Mr Najib replied: "I don't expect elections to change the nature of relations between our two countries."
To this, Mr Lee responded with a laugh: "Because you have confidence in the results."
The exchange comes as Malaysia is gripped by election fever. While the polls have to be called by August, observers expect them to held in the coming months.
Singapore has every intention of implementing what both nations have committed to, says PM Lee
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
At yesterday's joint press conference by both countries' leaders after the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat, Datuk Seri Najib and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were asked about the outlook on ties in the coming year, in view of domestic developments.
Mr Najib replied: "I don't expect elections to change the nature of relations between our two countries."
To this, Mr Lee responded with a laugh: "Because you have confidence in the results."
The exchange comes as Malaysia is gripped by election fever. While the polls have to be called by August, observers expect them to held in the coming months.
Earlier, in fielding a question on whether projects such as the newly inked Rapid Transit System (RTS) pact could be affected by the election, Mr Najib, who heads the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, suggested that things could turn out differently if someone else is in charge.
Malaysia, said Mr Najib, does "not want to return to the era of confrontational diplomacy and barbed rhetoric between our two countries". "It was an era that we want to forget," he added.
His remarks appeared to be an allusion to his closest rival, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Malaysia, said Mr Najib, does "not want to return to the era of confrontational diplomacy and barbed rhetoric between our two countries". "It was an era that we want to forget," he added.
His remarks appeared to be an allusion to his closest rival, former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
The 92-year-old has just been named by Malaysia's opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan as its candidate to become the next prime minister. The move comes amid a sliding vote share for BN over the last two elections.
During Tun Dr Mahathir's 22 years as prime minister - from 1981 to 2003, Malaysia and Singapore disagreed publicly over a number of issues, including whether to revise the price at which Malaysia sells water to Singapore.
Yesterday, Mr Najib said his team "cannot determine what the electorate will decide, but we can offer our agenda for the people to decide".
This includes "good relations with Singapore - and we have proven that we can bring tangible benefits to the people if we work closely together".
"So that is the position of our government. The other side may have other ideas," added Mr Najib.
"So that is the position of our government. The other side may have other ideas," added Mr Najib.
Responding to the same question, Mr Lee said the joint projects require long-term commitment that is formalised in the RTS agreement signed. "It is a binding agreement and whoever is the government on either side, well, this is an agreement which they inherit and which they are party to," he said.
"If a subsequent government has other ideas, that will have to be dealt with and the agreement will deal with these contingencies."
On Singapore's part, Mr Lee added: "I have no doubt on Singapore's side we have every intention of implementing what we signed and committed to today."
Singapore itself is due for some changes, with a major Cabinet reshuffle expected this year as part of leadership renewal.
Mr Lee said: "I don't think the Cabinet reshuffle in Singapore will affect our bilateral relations with Malaysia, and I look forward to our relations being stable and the Malaysian side taking a similar approach."
Both men, incidentally, ended their prepared remarks with references to the Malaysia elections.
"If a subsequent government has other ideas, that will have to be dealt with and the agreement will deal with these contingencies."
On Singapore's part, Mr Lee added: "I have no doubt on Singapore's side we have every intention of implementing what we signed and committed to today."
Singapore itself is due for some changes, with a major Cabinet reshuffle expected this year as part of leadership renewal.
Mr Lee said: "I don't think the Cabinet reshuffle in Singapore will affect our bilateral relations with Malaysia, and I look forward to our relations being stable and the Malaysian side taking a similar approach."
Both men, incidentally, ended their prepared remarks with references to the Malaysia elections.
Mr Lee said he looked forward to visiting Malaysia for the next leaders' retreat later this year, "after, probably, their general election".
Ending his speech, Mr Najib said that he looked forward to receiving Mr Lee at the end of this year, "provided we get the right result".
Ending his speech, Mr Najib said that he looked forward to receiving Mr Lee at the end of this year, "provided we get the right result".
SMRT and Prasarana to form joint venture by June 2018
Firm to run JB-S'pore rail link; operators to ink concession for service by Sept 30
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
Rail operators SMRT and Prasarana Malaysia will form a joint venture by June this year to run the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
The companies have also committed to sign the concession agreement for the cross-border MRT service by Sept 30, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said in a joint statement yesterday.
This first concession period will last for 30 years. Subsequent concessions will be awarded through open tender.
The joint venture company will pay a concession fee to Singapore and Malaysia, and collect fare revenue in exchange. Fares will be set by the company and not regulated by the two governments.
Firm to run JB-S'pore rail link; operators to ink concession for service by Sept 30
By Royston Sim, Assistant Political Editor, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
The companies have also committed to sign the concession agreement for the cross-border MRT service by Sept 30, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia's Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said in a joint statement yesterday.
This first concession period will last for 30 years. Subsequent concessions will be awarded through open tender.
The joint venture company will pay a concession fee to Singapore and Malaysia, and collect fare revenue in exchange. Fares will be set by the company and not regulated by the two governments.
The 4km line will link Bukit Chagar station in Johor Baru to the Singapore terminus in Woodlands North, where commuters can transfer to the upcoming Thomson-East Coast MRT Line (TEL).
It will cross the Strait of Johor via a 25m-high bridge in a straight line rather than curving over water - making a bend over land in Malaysia instead.
This new alignment addresses the Johor Sultan's earlier reservations about the project.
Last August, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had said the idea for a curved bridge was impractical, unsustainable and potentially costly. He also said such a design would disrupt the Johor Baru city skyline, and agreed in November to the construction of a straight elevated bridge for the rail line instead.
It will cross the Strait of Johor via a 25m-high bridge in a straight line rather than curving over water - making a bend over land in Malaysia instead.
This new alignment addresses the Johor Sultan's earlier reservations about the project.
Last August, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had said the idea for a curved bridge was impractical, unsustainable and potentially costly. He also said such a design would disrupt the Johor Baru city skyline, and agreed in November to the construction of a straight elevated bridge for the rail line instead.
The Straits Times understands that joint engineering studies found the revised alignment feasible, and that it will make no difference to Singapore in terms of cost or operations.
The RTS Link shares the same core systems - including trains and signalling - as the TEL, for economies of scale, said LTA and SPAD.
The RTS Link shares the same core systems - including trains and signalling - as the TEL, for economies of scale, said LTA and SPAD.
The agencies added that heavy maintenance for the RTS trains will be outsourced to TEL operator SMRT at the TEL's Mandai Depot, while a light maintenance facility will be built at Bukit Chagar.
When it opens by Dec 31, 2024, the link can carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
This translates to an additional capacity of 60,000 commuters crossing the Causeway during peak hours - the equivalent of about two-thirds the number crossing now.
When it opens by Dec 31, 2024, the link can carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
This translates to an additional capacity of 60,000 commuters crossing the Causeway during peak hours - the equivalent of about two-thirds the number crossing now.
This is much higher than the average 300 passengers per hour in each direction carried by the daily shuttle train service between Woodlands and Johor Baru, SPAD and LTA noted.
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's Tebrau Shuttle will cease six months after the link begins operations. The shuttle frequency will be increased in the interim to cope with demand.
Singapore and Malaysia inked a legally binding agreement to build the link yesterday. It captures key points such as technical, safety and security requirements; commercial, financing, procurement and regulatory frameworks; and Customs, immigration and quarantine arrangements.
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad's Tebrau Shuttle will cease six months after the link begins operations. The shuttle frequency will be increased in the interim to cope with demand.
Singapore and Malaysia inked a legally binding agreement to build the link yesterday. It captures key points such as technical, safety and security requirements; commercial, financing, procurement and regulatory frameworks; and Customs, immigration and quarantine arrangements.
Causeway jams, high-speed rail bidding process among issues discussed
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
From congestion on the Causeway to the bidding process for the high-speed rail, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak addressed matters of bilateral concern at a press conference yesterday for the eighth Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat.
The two leaders welcomed the progress made in relations, adding that "tangible results" are produced when both countries work closely together.
The next leaders' retreat will be held later this year in Malaysia.
TOLL CHARGES ON SECOND LINK MAY BE REVIEWED
To ease traffic jams on the Causeway during peak periods, toll fees for the Second Link in Tuas may be reviewed so more people will use it.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had proposed this solution to the congestion problem, adding: "People from both sides have to wait as long as three to four hours to get clearance, and we both agree that we need to resolve this."
The toll charges at the Second Link range from $3.20 for cars to $14.70 for heavy goods vehicles. On the Malaysian side, the toll is RM7.50 (S$2.50).
RAIL BIDDING PROCESS TO BE 'TRANSPARENT AND HONEST'
Price will not be the only factor in deciding which company wins the bid for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR), said Mr Lee, adding that other factors such as financing, track record and reliability will also count.
There will be a "multi-dimensional assessment" of bids, said Datuk Seri Najib.
The two leaders were asked about the selection criteria, following a news report that said the Japanese government would help a Japanese consortium in its bid for the HSR project.
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 17 Jan 2018
From congestion on the Causeway to the bidding process for the high-speed rail, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak addressed matters of bilateral concern at a press conference yesterday for the eighth Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat.
The two leaders welcomed the progress made in relations, adding that "tangible results" are produced when both countries work closely together.
The next leaders' retreat will be held later this year in Malaysia.
TOLL CHARGES ON SECOND LINK MAY BE REVIEWED
To ease traffic jams on the Causeway during peak periods, toll fees for the Second Link in Tuas may be reviewed so more people will use it.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had proposed this solution to the congestion problem, adding: "People from both sides have to wait as long as three to four hours to get clearance, and we both agree that we need to resolve this."
The toll charges at the Second Link range from $3.20 for cars to $14.70 for heavy goods vehicles. On the Malaysian side, the toll is RM7.50 (S$2.50).
RAIL BIDDING PROCESS TO BE 'TRANSPARENT AND HONEST'
Price will not be the only factor in deciding which company wins the bid for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR), said Mr Lee, adding that other factors such as financing, track record and reliability will also count.
There will be a "multi-dimensional assessment" of bids, said Datuk Seri Najib.
The two leaders were asked about the selection criteria, following a news report that said the Japanese government would help a Japanese consortium in its bid for the HSR project.
Mr Lee said there will be "a systematic process to come to a recommendation and a decision".
He added that keeping it transparent and honest will give people the confidence that the call was made "without intending to favour or to hurt any side".
AGREEMENT RENEWED FOR EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION
A memorandum of understanding for educational cooperation between both countries was renewed.
In a joint statement, the prime ministers said the agreement, which builds on efforts over the past 10 years, will provide opportunities for officials, educators and students from both countries to carry out exchanges and collaborations on matters of mutual interest.
MALAYSIA VOICES FULL SUPPORT FOR SINGAPORE AS ASEAN CHAIR
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur could potentially be linked up as smart cities, Mr Najib suggested as he pointed to the themes of resilience and innovation that Singapore has chosen as the chair of ASEAN this year.
Expressing Malaysia's full support for Singapore's chairmanship of the grouping, he said that the emphasis on the digital economy is something both countries can work on together.
He added that Singapore and Malaysia can promote regulations and e-commerce, and encourage electronic payments.
Mr Lee had announced previously that Singapore plans to promote schemes to help ASEAN member economies innovate and use technology.
AGREEMENT RENEWED FOR EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION
A memorandum of understanding for educational cooperation between both countries was renewed.
In a joint statement, the prime ministers said the agreement, which builds on efforts over the past 10 years, will provide opportunities for officials, educators and students from both countries to carry out exchanges and collaborations on matters of mutual interest.
MALAYSIA VOICES FULL SUPPORT FOR SINGAPORE AS ASEAN CHAIR
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur could potentially be linked up as smart cities, Mr Najib suggested as he pointed to the themes of resilience and innovation that Singapore has chosen as the chair of ASEAN this year.
Expressing Malaysia's full support for Singapore's chairmanship of the grouping, he said that the emphasis on the digital economy is something both countries can work on together.
He added that Singapore and Malaysia can promote regulations and e-commerce, and encourage electronic payments.
Mr Lee had announced previously that Singapore plans to promote schemes to help ASEAN member economies innovate and use technology.
PM Lee, Malaysian PM Najib attend opening of Marina One ahead of leaders' retreat
Marina One, Duo touted as symbols of strong Singapore-KL ties
Projects the result of 2010 historic pact and reflect the turn in ties after 20-year impasse
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 16 Jan 2018
In the heart of Singapore's Marina Bay district, a gleaming complex of steel and glass buildings soar 30 storeys high.
Last evening, Marina One was officially opened by both Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Marina One, Duo touted as symbols of strong Singapore-KL ties
Projects the result of 2010 historic pact and reflect the turn in ties after 20-year impasse
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 16 Jan 2018
Last evening, Marina One was officially opened by both Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.
At the same time, Duo, a mixed-use development in the nearby Ophir-Rochor district, was lit up to mark its official opening too.
The developments are the outcome of a historic pact between Singapore and Malaysia in 2010 and reflect the turn in the ties between the two neighbours after a 20-year impasse.
During the deadlock, they wrangled over plots of railway land in Singapore that Malaysia had previously controlled.
Eventually, in return for the three plots and another three plots in Bukit Timah, Singapore offered four parcels of land in Marina South and two parcels of land in Ophir-Rochor for development.
M+S, a joint venture company by Malaysia's Khazanah Nasional and Singapore's Temasek Holdings, developed Marina One and Duo on the six land parcels.
Both are integrated developments that include office, residential and retail spaces.
M+S chairman Azman Yahya said: "We hope that these two developments will serve as lasting visible symbols of the harmonious bilateral ties shared between our two countries for future generations."
He noted that the projects are "symbolic of the longstanding strong partnership between Malaysia and Singapore".
The mixed-use projects have a combined gross development value of about $11 billion. Marina One's tenants include Swiss private bank Julius Baer and consulting firm PwC Singapore, while Duo houses Andaz Singapore, a high-end hotel brand in the Hyatt chain.
Datuk Seri Najib, who arrived in Singapore yesterday, attended the joint opening of Marina One and Duo ahead of the eighth Singapore-Malaysia leaders' retreat today.
Eventually, in return for the three plots and another three plots in Bukit Timah, Singapore offered four parcels of land in Marina South and two parcels of land in Ophir-Rochor for development.
M+S, a joint venture company by Malaysia's Khazanah Nasional and Singapore's Temasek Holdings, developed Marina One and Duo on the six land parcels.
M+S chairman Azman Yahya said: "We hope that these two developments will serve as lasting visible symbols of the harmonious bilateral ties shared between our two countries for future generations."
He noted that the projects are "symbolic of the longstanding strong partnership between Malaysia and Singapore".
The mixed-use projects have a combined gross development value of about $11 billion. Marina One's tenants include Swiss private bank Julius Baer and consulting firm PwC Singapore, while Duo houses Andaz Singapore, a high-end hotel brand in the Hyatt chain.
Datuk Seri Najib, who arrived in Singapore yesterday, attended the joint opening of Marina One and Duo ahead of the eighth Singapore-Malaysia leaders' retreat today.
He also called on President Halimah Yacob at the Istana for the first time since she took office, and was hosted to a private dinner by Mr and Mrs Lee.
The two PMs have held leaders' retreats almost every year since Mr Najib came to Singapore on an introductory visit in 2009.
The two PMs have held leaders' retreats almost every year since Mr Najib came to Singapore on an introductory visit in 2009.
The latest meeting, originally scheduled for last month, was postponed at Mr Najib's request because of a special meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Turkey to discuss the United States' move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
The two PMs and their delegations will hold discussions today.
Both men will witness the signing of an agreement for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan and Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
"The RTS Link will help to boost connectivity, strengthen our economic and business links and enhance people-to-people relations," Singapore's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It also said the leaders' retreat is the key platform for both PMs to review progress in ties and set the direction going forward.
These meetings have yielded major breakthroughs, like the announcement of the high-speed rail line between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 2013.
Singapore's delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and other Cabinet ministers such as Mr Khaw and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Mr Najib is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai and International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.
The two PMs and their delegations will hold discussions today.
Both men will witness the signing of an agreement for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan and Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
"The RTS Link will help to boost connectivity, strengthen our economic and business links and enhance people-to-people relations," Singapore's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It also said the leaders' retreat is the key platform for both PMs to review progress in ties and set the direction going forward.
These meetings have yielded major breakthroughs, like the announcement of the high-speed rail line between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 2013.
Singapore's delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and other Cabinet ministers such as Mr Khaw and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
Mr Najib is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Anifah Aman, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai and International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.
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