KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Singaporeans should not allow social media to colour their perception of Malaysia that remains safe and stable, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today when congratulating the republic on its 50 years of independence.

Pointing to balmier relations between the two neighbours and occasional rivals, the Malaysian prime minister told Singaporeans that both countries share the same goals for good governance, sustainable trade, and stability, among others.

“At this time of opportunity between our nations, I urge Singaporeans not to judge Malaysia by what you may read on social media, or by politically motivated statements from certain quarters running down our country.

“I will ensure that Malaysia remains stable and safe - for guests and Malaysians alike,” Najib wrote in an editorial piece published by The Straits Times in Singapore today.

In it, the prime minister recounted his own efforts together with Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong to repair the result of what the former described as differences in the past.

Among notable achievements he listed were the 2010 Points of Agreement that resolved a long-standing dispute over Malaysian-owned land on the island as well as the planned construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail.

“Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and I agreed that our countries should not be encumbered by any issues associated with the past.

“The days when some considered agreement to be a form of weakness are gone. Our future is as partners,” he added when reiterating that the change came after he assumed power.

Najib added that Malaysia also mourned the passing of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, in February, saying that the latter was admired by friends and foes alike.

The prime minister then emphasised that despite the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965, both countries were interminably bound by a shared history and geographical location, and destined to be conjoined.

On September 16, 1963, Singapore together with Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya had combined to form the Federation of Malaysia.

The island-state was expelled from the federation 50 years ago today by the Malaysian Parliament, however, in what the late Lee had described tearfully as his “moment of anguish”.