In response to media queries on the comments by Malaysia's Prime Minister Dr Mahathir on the water issue in the New Straits Times (7 September 2002), the MFA Spokesman said:
"We are glad to note that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir has said that he does not have much objection to linking the issue of price review within the package and that it did not matter if it was linked or not.
Singapore's position has always been that we are prepared to discuss price revision within the package.
Singapore shares Dr Mahathir's concern that the talks should not drag on too long. That is why Singapore has suggested at the 2-3 September package talks that officials from both sides can meet to discuss the issue of price revisions under the existing Agreements as part of the package."
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
7 SEPTEMBER 2002