Congrats! Hope this will usher in closer relations between our militaries
By Channel NewsAsia's Malaysia Correspondent Melissa Goh
KUALA LUMPUR : An officer from the Singapore Armed Forces has topped a staff training course organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Major Michael Lim Tien Hock was among 33 officers from 26 countries, including Japan, South Korea, India and Jordan, who took part in the one-year course.
It is the first time a Singapore officer is attending the course after some 29 years.
Major Lim said he was glad that the ups and downs in bilateral ties have not affected the friendships he has forged.
Major Lim said: "Despite the spat between Malaysia and Singapore at the political level, the friendship harnessed during the military training will help us to foster better relationship in the future."
Major Mike Shatford, New Zealand Defence Force, said: "What it allows is for Malaysia and Singapore, like brother and sister or husband and wife, to sort out many disputes they have behind closed doors, despite vocal disputes by politicians. Behind the scene, everyone really gets on with the close relations they have."
Major Lim's one-year stay in Malaysia also helped him to understand his neighbours better. - CNA