Singapore's top general meets Habibie

Singapore's top general meets Habibie

JAKARTA (JP): Regular joint military exercises between
Indonesian and Singapore will continue as scheduled despite
economic difficulties faced by the two countries, Singaporean
armed forces chief Lt. Gen. Bey Soo Chiang said on Wednesday.

The joint exercises are strong proof of the good relations
between the two countries, Bey said.

"This close relationship has been built up over the years,"
Bey said after meeting with the President at Merdeka Palace along
with Minister of Defense/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen.
Wiranto.

The three-star general said he submitted his report on the
latest joint training to the President during the meeting.

The two countries' armies held their annual joint military
exercises in South Sumatra last November.

In the same month, their navies held similar training in the
Java Sea and in the seaport of Surabaya.

During the meeting, the President briefed him on the country's
latest situation but did not repeat his recent remarks on
discrimination faced by indigenous Malay officers in Singapore.

"The fact is that the President has been misinformed," Bey
said.

Habibie angered many Singaporeans last month when he said that
ethnic Malays could not be military officers in the city-state.
Some Singaporeans, however, told reporters that the sensitive
issue could now be discussed more openly after Habibie made the
remark.

Bey said "We use a system of meritocracy (in the armed
forces)," and all personnel were treated equally. (prb)