Tuesday March 28, 2006
Foreign Minister: Bridge debate going overboard
KUALA LUMPUR: Cut down on the debates, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar told MPs and other parties who have voiced their concern about the delay to build the new bridge across the Johor straits.
While conceding that MPs have a duty to voice the concerns of the people, he said nobody should comment on half-facts that could create misunderstandings.
"Our negotiators know what things to discuss and we want people to understand that it’s not only for the interest of Johor, but for Malaysia too.
"We also want the bridge to be used by Singaporeans," Syed Hamid told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday after meeting MPs to explain the issue.
"The details of the negotiations cannot be disclosed to the public because such matters will impede the on-going talks and can be used against us.
"The less we debate openly about the matter, the easier the topics can be finalised, including the technical details," he added.
Malaysia is trying to persuade Singapore to build a full bridge jointly to link both sides and to replace the current Causeway.
In the meantime, Malaysia was going ahead with a RM620mil so-called "scenic bridge" that would go only halfway across the channel. It is scheduled to be completed in 36 months and will start operations by April 1, 2009.
Syed Hamid reiterated that the Government would not stop the construction of the new bridge and neither would it end its negotiations with Singapore.
He said Malaysia had not reached a stage where it had to choose between stopping the construction work and stopping the negotiations.
He said there was no question of Malaysia giving up its dignity or sovereignty in its discussions with Singapore and neither would Malaysia negotiate from a position of weakness.
News Poll
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Girl and stepmum held over bid to kill first wife
- Biggest karaoke session a blast
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Victim’s dad nabs kidnapper
- Teoh’s body exhumed for second autopsy today
- Foreigner falls to her death from condominium
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- Teoh's second autopsy started at noon
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- No licence to try offenders
- Big impact in ‘small’ man’s win
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Weapons drawn for new battle
- Johor set to be a medical hub
- Joy for 2,500 housebuyers as SPNB takes over project
- More Indonesian maids by year end?
RSS
