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)