Our govt was puzzled by MY decision to build the bridge. After dealing with them for the past 16 years over so many issues and our dear SM still don't know their tricks? Anyway, LHL made a smart move to ask GCT to negotiate with them.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/27/nation/13232303&sec=nationMahathir happy 22-year wait for bridge is overKUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is “very happy” that finally a decision has been made for Malaysia to go ahead with the scenic bridge on its side of the Johor Strait.
The former prime minister is also not surprised that Singapore has not agreed to jointly build the bridge to replace the Causeway.
“I have waited 22 years, and we still have not gotten the permission to even raise (the price of raw water sold to Singapore) from 3 sen to 4 sen. So if you want to wait, you can wait until kingdom come,” he told reporters yesterday after launching EduSmith, a local magazine for students.
It was reported yesterday that Malaysia would build the bridge, and work would start after the Chinese New Year.
The report also said that the bridge would now be referred to as “scenic” bridge instead of ”crooked bridge”. The bridge was termed “crooked” because of its shape. It will be built only on the Malaysian side.
In jest, Dr Mahathir said: “I thought it was ‘cynic’ bridge. Is that how you spell it?”
From New Straits Times:
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/Frontpage/20060126075531/Article/index_html