Malaysia seeks chance to seal bridge deal with Singapore
The Star – 2 February 2006
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants another go at negotiating outstanding bilateral issues with Singapore, including the prospect of building a “full bridge” to replace the existing Causeway.  
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said there should be another opportunity for such discussions, adding that if this failed it would be time to “think of something else”.  
“We want to have a full bridge. Give us a chance to construct the full bridge,” he said, adding that while negotiations on the matter may not be easy, Malaysia would have to try to make it work.  
Syed Hamid was speaking to reporters at KL International Airport after accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in bidding farewell to Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Saud at the end of the ruler's three-day official visit to Malaysia.  
Singapore had vacillated over the bridge proposal despite two rounds of talks between Abdullah and Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. The leaders met in February last year but no decision was reached.  
Malaysia had decided to build the bridge halfway across the Johor Strait while Singapore had yet to give an affirmative reply. However, Malaysia had stressed that negotiations with the republic over the matter would continue.  
Syed Hamid said Malaysia had submitted a list of suggestions and proposals to the republic and would be meeting its officials soon to hear their response.   
“I must stress that this is a continued decision and not a new one. The go-ahead means the project concessionaire, Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd, can carry out initial works and tests. This is to be done on our land and not even at sea.  
“The bridge is not going to be built tomorrow and the developer is doing initial works so that whatever agreement is reached with Singapore, there will be no delay in the project,” he said.  
Source: The Star | http://thestar.com.my