The Star Online > Nation
Monday March 13, 2006
KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia will not compromise its sovereignty by agreeing to a Singaporean request for sand and airspace in return for a favourable answer on negotiations over the Scenic Bridge, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said.
The Foreign Minister said Malaysia would not give concessions on any issue that touched on the country’s sovereignty and territory, but added that the matter needed to be considered from all angles.
Singapore had requested for the sale of sand from Malaysia and the use of Malaysian airspace to agree on the building of the new Scenic Bridge.
“We need to consider the cooperation between the two countries in controlling terrorism activities, regional safety and so on,” said Syed Hamid.
“This includes cooperation with other countries such as in air force training, therefore at that time, Malaysia would have to consider allowing Singapore to use its airspace.”
Syed Hamid was speaking to reporters after attending the Kota Tinggi Umno Family Day in Teluk Sedili, here yesterday.
On reports that Singapore had sent a third party note to Malaysia seeking clarification over a report that Malaysia had “symbolically” launched construction works on the bridge, Syed Hamid said : “The sending of third party notes is a common thing. I, too, sent a third party note to Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo who had stated that any unilateral action on Malaysia’s part would bring serious implications.”
He said on-going negotiations looked very positive and encouraging.
The bridge is scheduled to be completed in 36 months and will start operations by April 1, 2009.