President Tan in KL for state visit

SINGAPORE - President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrives in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday for a rare state visit by a Singapore head of state to Malaysia.

Dr Tan's trip is only the third such visit by a Singapore President across the Causeway.

But it will further cement the strong and friendly relations between both countries, which earlier this year announced ambitious joint projects like a high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

The three-day visit by Dr Tan and his wife Mary is at the invitation of the Malaysian King and Queen, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Sultanah Hajah Haminah Haji Hamidun, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday.

He is the first foreign head of state to be received by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong since he assumed the throne in December 2011.

The visit will see Dr Tan and his wife receiving a ceremonial welcome at Parliament Square, followed by a state drive and audience with the King and Queen, the MFA statement added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife will then call on Dr Tan and Mrs Tan before the King and Queen host them to a state banquet on Wednesday evening.

In Malaysia, Dr Tan, who is also Chancellor of the National University of Singapore, will visit Universiti Malaya, the country's oldest university, as well as the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia and a Permata Negara nursery, which gives pre-school education to children from low-income families.

He will also meet Singaporeans working and living in Malaysia at a reception hosted by Singapore's High Commissioner Ong Keng Yong.

On the final leg of his trip, Dr Tan will visit Malacca, which shares a historical past with Singapore, as both were British Straits Settlements.

He will meet its Governor Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Chief Minister Wira Ir. Idris Haron. He will then take in the sights, visiting the state's historical and cultural landmarks.

This is Dr Tan's first state visit to Malaysia. Previous presidents who had made similar visits were Mr S R Nathan in 2005 and the late Mr Wee Kim Wee in 1991.

It will also mark the first high-level visit from a Singapore leader to Malaysia since the Malaysian general election in May.

The two countries have long-standing ties which have received a boost in recent years as their Prime Ministers lead efforts to deepen economic integration and political ties.

Major developments such as a wellness project are being jointly worked on in the Iskandar region in Johor. Singapore companies are also investing heavily in the area.

Those accompanying Dr Tan include National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Members of Parliament Arthur Fong and Intan Azura Mokhtar as well as government officials.

While Dr Tan is away, Mr J.Y. Pillay, chairman of the Council of Presidential Advisers, will act as President.

andreao@sph.com.sg

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