PUTRAJAYA: The special committee set up for the Iskandar Development Region is meant to facilitate the implementation of decisions by Malaysia and Singapore, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. 

Stressing that the committee was not taking on a consultative role, the Prime Minister explained that the committee would look at implementation issues of the decisions made by Malaysia, particularly Johor, and Singapore. 

"It is to look into, among others, how to implement the smart card for travellers from Johor to Singapore and vice-versa so that people can travel easily and smoothly, without having to waste their time queuing up for hours," he said. 

He said this in his opening remarks at the 2008 Budget Consultation Council which was held here Tuesday. 

Abdullah said the committee would also be responsible for looking into joint tourism promotions, environmental matters and other issues which might crop up. 

"(Singapore) Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong and I cannot look into the details on how to implement all these, hence the setting up of the committee," he said. 

Abdullah said Malaysia’s lead representative in the special committee was Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi. 

He said Malaysia did not have any problem with Singapore’s intention to participate in IDR, especially when efforts were being made to encourage investors from across the globe to participate in the development. 

“Why should we not welcome our neighbour’s participation. It has the means to participate, the money to invest and skills to ensure that investments made will be successful,” he said.

Source : The Star 29/5/2007