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Malaysia in transition

Mahathir picks a new water fight with Singapore

Malaysia's review of bilateral deals risks discord between neighbors

Singapore has reduced its dependence on Malaysian water but cannot yet keep the taps flowing on its own.   © Reuters

SINGAPORE -- Malaysia finds its relationship with Singapore under stress once again as Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revives long-standing tensions over water, signaling a shift from the cooperative stance of predecessor Najib Razak.

Securing stable supplies of water has been a vital concern for Singapore since it gained independence from Malaysia in 1965. Although it has made strides in recycling sewage water and with desalinization to reduce its dependence on Malaysia, the island has not been able to shed its reliance completely.

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