The Star Online > Nation

Saturday March 18, 2006

Bridge differences to keep good ties, Singapore told

JOHOR BARU: Singapore should think “long and hard” on the importance of maintaining good relations with its neighbour, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak. 

“Now is not the time to threaten each other or to think of the interests of a particular party or individual,” he said, referring to the stalled talks between Malaysia and the republic on the proposed new link which has now come to be known as the “scenic bridge.” 

“This is the time to be united and to make the new bridge a symbol of cooperation between the two countries,” Najib told reporters after an hour-long tour of the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex here yesterday. 

“It is our right, as a sovereign country, to continue with the bridge project. No one can deny us that right,” he said. 

WORK IN PROGRESS: Najib (right) observing construction work on the new CIQ complex in Johor Baru on Friday.

Najib said the negotiations between the two neighbours, which first started in February 2004, were continuing and no deadline has been set to end the talks. 

“But, technically, there is a time frame which both countries are aware of. I do not want to discuss it openly through the media,” he said. 

He added that if Singapore decided not to be part of the project, the Malaysian link would join up with the existing causeway on the republic’s side.  

On the design of the bridge, he said: “Whatever design we want to use, it will be our decision because it does not affect Singapore. 

“But they will be invited to take part in the project.” 

Najib said the current causeway had brought harm to the environment as the waterway was severely polluted. 

The new bridge, he said, would not just stimulate the economy but also transform the Straits of Johor into a beautiful waterway.  

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